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The Littlest Rebel 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 



EDWARD^ PEPLE 

Author of "A Pair of Sixes ", " The Prince Chap ", 
" The Love Route ". 



COPYRIOET, 1011, By Edwabd Peplb 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned 
that "THE LITTLEST REBEL", being fully protected 
under the copyright laws of the United States, is subject 
to a royalty, and anyone presenting the play without 
the consent of the owner or his authorized agents will 
be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application 
for amateur acting rights must be raad(? to Samuel 
French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. Application 
for thi' proft^ssional acting rights must be made to the 
American Play Company, 33 West 42nd Street, New 
York. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 West 38th STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH. Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 






Especial notice p.hould be taken that the posssssiou 
of this book without a valid contract for product!")! 
first having been obtaineci from the p''jl)li3hor, confers 
no right or license to professionals or amateurs to 
produce the play publicly or in private for gain or 
charity. 

In its present form this play is dedicated to the 
reading public only, and no performance of it may be 
given, except by special arrangement v'ith Samu'jl 
French. 

SECTION 28.— That any person who wilfully or for 
profit shall infringe any copyright secured by this act, 
or who shall knowingly and v/ilfully aid or abet such 
infringment, shall be deemed guilty of a m.isdemeanor, 
and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by im- 
prisonment for not exceeding one year, or by a fine of 
not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one 
thousand dollars, or both, in the discretion of the 
court. Act of March 4, 1909. 



SEP -8 191? 

©GI.D 47S85 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 



CHARACTERS 

OF THE NORTH 

Lieutenant Colonel Morrison. .. L^. 5". Cavalry 

Lieutenant Harris Morrison's Aide 

Corporal Dudley Of Morrison's Command 

Sergeant Dudley His brother 

Harry O'Connell A Trooper 

The General U . S. Army 

Forbes His Adjutant 

Collins A Trooper 

Courier 

OF THE SOUTH 

Captain Herbert Cary A Confederate Scout 

I\Irs. Cary His zvife 

Virgie His child 

Uncle Billy A slave 

Jeems-Henry A " runaway " 

Sally Ann A nurse 

Time of action, the latter part of the Civil War. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 



A Play in four acts by Edward Peple 
Produced by Al H. Woods 
Staged by Edgar MacGregor 

First Performance Liberty Theatre November 14th, 
1911 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Lieut. Col. Morrison Dustin Farnum 

The General William B. Mack 

Forbes Roy Gordon 

Lieut. Harris Walter Horton 

Sergeant Dudley T. E. B. Henry 

Corporal Dudley John Sharkey 

Harry O'Connell John C. Jiickey 

Sergeant M. A. Kelly 

Collins Charles Lazvrence 

Smith Frederick Kley 

JuDSON Frankly n Horton 

Color Sergeant John C. Leslie 

Courier Frederic Morris 

Captain Herbert Carey William Farnum 

Mrs. Herbert Carey Percy Haswell 

ViRGiE Mary Miles Minter 

Uncle Billy George Thatcher 

Sally Ann Mamie Lincoln 

Jeems-Henry Lawrence Merten 

Federal and Confederate soldiers of the North and 
South 

4 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 



ACT I 



Scene : Exterior viczv of the home of Herbert 
Cary, a fciv miles belotu Richmond, Va., on 
the James River, in the Spring of 1864. 

At L., set obliquely, is a Colonial house, 
painted zvhite, -djith pillared porch and upper 
windows. 

At rear is a hedge, masking drivezvay, running 
across stage from left to right, zvith opening at 
c. Back drop presents a stretch of fields and 
woods running down to the river. At r. are 
shade trees, one tree trunk being surrounded 
by a circular seat. From limb of tree hangs a 
swing box seat. 

DISCOVERED : Uncle Billy, an aged negro, 
seedily dressed, entering from R. carrying a 
rooster tied by its feet, lie takes a seat under 
trees to rest, wiping his forehead with his sleeve, 
then holding up rooster and regarding it 
critically. 

Billy. It seems to me dat when you needs dem 
the mostest de chickens is roosting higher and 
higher. Rooster — I wonder who you b'longs to. 

5 



6 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

[(Feeling its breast thoughtfully) Um-um! From 
de feelin' of you, my son, I spec' you was raise' by 
one er de ol'es' fam'lies whar is ! (Sits on bench. 
Sighing, rising and starting toward house) Well — 
arfter I don par-bile you, I reckon Miss Hallie be 
mighty glad to see you. Yas, seh! {He pauses 
abruptly, as a young negro enters from l. dodges 
behind hedge and goes tozvard r.) Hi, dar! You, 
Jeems Henry ! Come heh ! Hear me ! Come heh ! 
(The negro pauses, then conies through break in 
hedge. He is a young mulatto, carrying a small 
bundle done up in a colored handkerchief. He 
stands sullen and silent. Uncle Billy regarding 
him with a frown) Whar you gwine? {No 
answer) Hear me? Ain't you got no tongue in yo' 
haid? Whar you gwine? (Jeems comes down c. 
still makes no anszver) Den I'll tell you whar you 
gwine. You's runnin' 'way to de Yankees ! {Rises, 
cross to c.) 

Jeems. (Steps toward Billy. Sullenly) An' 
s'posin' I is — what den? 

Billy. Den you's a thief, dat's what you is — a 
thief! 

Jeems. I an' no thief. I ain' stole nothin'. 

Billy. You is, too. You's stealin' a nigger ! 

Jees. (Steps tozvard Billy. In amazement) 
What dat ? What you talkin' 'bout ? 

Billy. Talkin' 'bout you. Dey say dat a nigger's 
wuth a thousan' dollars. 'Cose you ain't wuth dat 
much, I put you down at a dollar an' a quarter. 
But dat ain't de p'int. It's dis. You b'longs to 
Mars' Herbert Cary an' Miss Hallie; an' when you 
runs 'way you's stealin'. Yoitse stealin' yo'se'f! 

Jeems. (Crosses to r. c.) H'm! Ef I ain't wuth 
but a dollar an' a quarter, I ain' stealin' much. 

Billy. You mighty right, you ain't! An' ef I 
was fo' years younger I'd take it outer yo' hide wid 
a carriage whip ! (As Jeems shrugs and starts away) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 7 

Hoi' on dare! Which way you gwine? You hear 
me ? Now den ! 

Jeems. (Cross toicard Billy) I gwine up de 
river — {Looking around cautiously) to Chick- 
ahominy Swamp. 

Billy. Chickahom.iny, huh ! So de Yankees is up 
dar, is dey? What you gwine do when you o^it to 
'em? 

Jeems. Wuck 'roun' de camp. 

Billy. Doin' what? 

Jeems. BKickin' de gent'men's boots, an' — an' 
gittin' paid fer it. (Cross r. c. As Billy laughs 
snccringly) It's bettei'n bein' a slave, Unc' Billy; 
an' ef you wan' sech a crazy ol' fool, you'd come 
along wid me, too. 

Billy. Me? Leave Miss Hallie — new? (Looks 
at house and points) Wlien she ain' got nothin'? 
Look heah, nigger, dog gone yo' skin, I got a gret 
min' for to mash yo' mouf ! Yas, I's a slave ! I 
b'longs to Mars Cary — an' I b'long'd to his pa' 
befo' him! Dey feed me and gimme de bes' dey 
got! Dey take care of me when I sick — an' djy 
take care of me when I well — an' / gwine stay 
right here ! But you ? You go on wid de Yankees, 
an' black der boots ! Dey'll free you — an' you'll 
keep on blackin' boots. (Jeems gives a movement 
of impatience — turns away. Billy lifting his voice 
and raising his fist in anger) Go on, you low-dov/n 
dollar an' a quarter nigger ! Go long wid yo' 
Yankee marsters — an' git yo' freedom an' a blackin' 
brush. 

(Mrs. Cary enters front house, simply but neatly 
dressed, carrying a zvork basket. She stops 
abriiptlv, attracted by Billy's angry voice ) 

Mrs. Gary. Why, Uncle Billy! What is it? 
(Billy turns toivard her) What is it? 

Billy. (Pointing to Jeems over shoulder) It's 



8 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Jeems Henry, dat's who it is. He's runnin' 'way to 
de Yankees. 

Mrs. Cary. {On Piazza l.) Oh! James! Is 
this really true? {As Jeems hangs his head and is 
silent) I'm sorry. {Comes down off steps) Not 
only for ourselves, but for you. You know I 
promised Mammy before she died to look after you 
— always. {Pause) Where is it you are going ? 

Billy. {As Jeems makes no answer) He's 
gwine up to Chickahominy. {To Jeems meaningly) 
Dey tells me dat der's han'ts an' gos'es over dar. 
{Steps toward him) I hope dey'll git you. 

Mrs. Cary. {As Jeems rolls his eyes tozvard 
Uncle Billy) Stop it! You know very well, 
Uncle Billy, there are no such things as ghosts. 

Billy. Nor'm I don't. Miss Hallie, nor'm I 
don't. I hear one las' night — moanin' roun' de 
smoke house. An' ef I ain't mighty fur wrong, 
she was smellin' arfter Jeems Henry. 

Mrs. Cary. {Suppressing smile, as Jeems looks 
at her in terror) There now — there — that will do. 
{Crosses to r. c. turning) Nothing of the kind will 
trouble you, James ; you may take my word for it. 
{Pause) If you are quite determined to go, I shall 
not try to keep you. {Looks at bundle) What 
have you in that bundle? 

Billy. {Comes down below Mrs. Cary) Hi, hi 1 
Dat's de way to talk ! What yo' got in yo' bundle ? 

Jeems. {Defiantly) I ain't got nothin' — what 
don't b'long to me, Miss Halley. 

Mrs. Cary. I don't mean that. But you have 
a long tramp before you. Have you anything to 
eat? 

(Billy goes upstage.) 

Jeems. Nor'm. I ain't. 

Mrs. Cary. Then you'd better come round to the 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 9 

kitchen. We'll see what we can find. {Starts azcay 
to L. cross to steps, go up steps) 

Billy. {Loudly, comes down) Now, hoi' on 
dar. Miss Hallic ! Hoi' on ! You ain't got none too 
much for yo'se'f, d'out stuffin' dis here six-bit rat 
hole wid waffles an' niilasses ! 

Mrs. Gary. William! 

Billy. {Meekly) Yas'm. 

Mrs. Gary. Well, James, are you coming? 
{Turns towards door) 

Jeems. {Crosses to c, then stops, speaks) Thank 
you. Miss Hallie; but f'um now on, I gwine to take 
keer of mys'ef. 

ALrs. Gary. Very well. {As James agai)i hangs 
his heed) Wherever you go, I hope you'll be 
happy and contented. H you are not — come back 
to us. Maybe, when the war is over, you'll find 
things a little more — comfortable. {On bottom 
step) Good-bye, James. 

{As Jeems looks up, she holds out hand. Jeems 
turns to her and starts to take her hand, but 
turns away again, abashed. Back toward 
audience, puts hand to eyes, passes slowly out 
at R. Mrs. Gary sits on steps zcatching him, 
sadly and in silence.) 

Billy. Now don't you care. Miss Hallie. He 
wan' no count for plowin', no how. 

Mrs. Gary. Oh, it isn't that, Uncle Billy— the 
actual loss of help ; tho' we need it, goodness knows. 
But it makes me sad to see them leaving — one by 
one. They are such children, Uncle Billy ; and so 
helpless — without a master hand. 

Billy. Yas'm. An' de marster's han' ought to 
have a hick'ry stick in it f er dat nigger 1 Yas, bless 
Gawd ! But you got me, Miss Hallie — / ain't 
runned away to de blue-bellies yet. 



10 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Mrs. Cary. (Laughing, as she places hand on his 
shoulder) No, you dear old thing. (Crosses to 
Billy) I'd as soon think of the skies falhng. It is 
just such faithful friends as you who help me to 
fight the best. 

Billy. Um ! 

Mrs. Cary. (As he looks at her questioningly) I 
mean a woman's battles, Uncle Billy — the waiting 
battles — that we fight alone. (Turns sadly away) 

Billy. Yas'm. I dunno what yo' talkin' 'bout, 
but I spec' you's right. Yas'm. 

Mrs. Cary. Dear Uncle Billy. (Turning to him) 
The most honest — the — (Pausing as she sees rooster 
on bench) William! 

Billy. Yas'm ? 

Mrs. Cary. What's that? 

Billy. What's what? (Following her look, 
crosses toward rooster) Aw, dat ! Well — well, dat 
ain't nothin' 'tall. Miss Hallie, but — but des' a 
rooster. Yas'm. 

Mrs. Cary. Whose is he? (Crossing up to l. of 
Billy) 

Billy. You — you mean who he b'longs to? He 
• — he don' b'longs to nobody. He his own rooster. 
(Looks at rooster) Yas'm. 

Mrs. Cary. William! Look at me. Where did 
you get him? 

Billy. Down on de low grouns — dis mornin'. 
Dat's right. Now you have to skuse me, Miss 
Hallie ; I got my wuck to do. (Crosses to tree, takes 
up rooster and starts toivard house) 

Mrs. Cary. One moment. You are sure he was 
on the low grounds ? 

Billy. 'Cose I is ! 

Mrs. Cary. What was he doing there ? 

Billy. He — he — he, he was trespassin', dat's 
what he doin' — trespassin' ! 



THI LITTLEST REBEL n 

Mrs. Cary. (Stniling and pointing finger) Be 
careful, Uncle Billy! Be careful! 

Billy. Yas, mar'm! I had to be. I never 
would a-got him ! (Mrs. Cary /;<rn.y. He takes up 
rooster as site laughs) I's tellin' you de trufc, Miss 
Hallie. Dis here ol' sinner tooken flewd off a boat 
whar was comin' up de river. Yes'm. And he sure 
was old enough to know better. 

]\Irs. Cary. Oh! Did you see him fly off the 
boat? 

Billy. Oh, yes, I seed him. I seed him. 
{Stammering) Nor'm; not wid my own eyes. But 
I see him settin' in de weeds, lookin' dat lonesome 
an' losted like, I felt real sorry fer him. Yas'm. 
(Strokes rooster gently) 

Mrs. Cary. {Turning from him to hide her 
laughter, then hack again) Uncle Billy — how did 
you catch him? 

Billy. I got down on all fo's in the thick weeds, 
an' cluck like a hen. Mr. Rooster he come long 
over to see cf I done laid a aig or sunithin' — an' I 
des reach out — lek dis — an' take him home to de 
Lord. (Picks up rooster) 

Mrs. Cauy. (Laughing lightlv, crosses to R. of 
bench ) Oh, Uncle Billy, Uncle Billy. It's a dread- 
ful thing to doubt your very dinner. Isn't it? 

Billy. (Backing toward house) Yas'm, dat t'is. 
But he don't b'long to nobody — ceptin' des we — all. 
(Lifting Jiis hand) Miss Hallie, I swar to = 

Mrs. Cary. IVilliam! 

Billy. Yas'm. I was des 'bout to say dat ef you 
an' ^liss Yirgie kin worry down de white meat, 
maybe den flis here bird'll kinder git ebcn wid me 
when I tackle his drum sticks. Yas'm. {Exit at left 
rear. .Mrs. Cary laughs. BIRD EFFECTS) 

(Mrs. Cary crosses to house and gets basket, shakes 
her head, crosses to bench under trees at r. and 



12 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

sits, taking up her work basket. A child's voice 
is heard calling off-stage.) 

ViRGiE. Oh, Mama! Mama! 
Mrs. Gary. {Calling) Yes, Virgie! Here I am! 
Out under the trees ! 

{Enter Virgie from c. She is flushed end excited. 
She is neatly dressed in a short zckitc frock, lozv 
shoes ai:d stockings. She carries her do!!, 
Susan Jej.iima. Sh.e is follczvcd by Sally 
Ann, a mulatto girl of fourteen, barefooted 
and in a gingham dress, falling half-way be- 
tiveen her knees and ankles. She carries a stick 
and a piece of bluish wood-moss.) 

Virgie. {Running to Mrs. Gary, breathing fast) 
Oh, mother — what do you reckon — Sally Ann an' 
me — have been playin'— out in the v/oods. 

Mrs. Gary. What ? 

Virgie. Blue Beard ! 

Mrs. Gary. Blue Beard? 

Virgie. {Nodding. Sitting on bench r. of Mrs. 
Gary) Um-hu'ni! You know — he — he — was the 
terriblest old man that — that ever was. An' he had 
so many wifses — that 

Mrs. Gary. Wives, my darhng. Wires! 

Virgie. {Frowning at Sally Ann zuho stands 
grinning) Well, I thought it was that; but Sally 
Ann said zvifses. 

Sally. Huh! Don' make no diff'n'ce what you 
call 'em, des so he had 'em. Gor'n tell her. 

Virgie. Well, 3'ou knov/, mother. Blue Beard had 
such a bad habit of kill in' his zvives — that — that 
some of the ladies got so they — they almost didn't 
want to marry him. 

Mrs. Gary. {Smiling over her work) Gracious, 
what a state of affairs ! Well ? 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 13 

ViRGiE. Well, the last time he got married to — to 
another one — her name was Mrs. Fatima. An' — 
an' I've liccn playin' her. 

Mrs. Cakv. Have you? And who played Blue 
Beard — Sally Ann? 

ViRGiE. Yes'm — an' — an' she's jus' fine. {Cross- 
ing to Sally Ann and drawing her by the arm to k.) 
Come here, Sally Ann, an' let's show her. Kneel 
down. {Taking piece of wood moss from Sally 
who kneels grinning) This is his beard, mother. 
We made it out of a piece of moss. {Standing be- 
hind Sally) Hold still, my lord, till I get it in the 
right place, (r. of Sally Ann. Tics on beard with 
a piece of string zchich goes behind Sally's cars) 

Sally. Be keerful, Miss Virgie ! You's a-ticidin' 
my nose ! 

Virgie. Oh, don't be such a baby. (Slaps Sally 
on hand) S'pose you were a man — (Goes behird 
her and tics on beard) an' had to wear one all the 
time. (Goes back to edge of bench) Now! Stand 
up! Look, mother ! {Claps hands) 

Mrs. Gary. (Looking at Sally, tc/zo stands 
bashfully) My, but he's ferocious ! 

Virgie. Isn't he? Won't you play with us, 
mother? (Crosses to Mrs. Gary, kneels on bench) 

Mrs. Gary. I? 

Virgie. Yes. (CoaxingJy) Jus' for a little 
while. Won't you, sweetheart ? I'll — I'll let you be 
Mrs. Fatima. (As Mrs. Gary hesitates, shaking 
her head) Oh, come on, mother. (Strokes Mrs. 
Gary's face) If you were my little girl, I'd do it in 
a minute. 

Mrs. Gary. (Laughing) Very well ; but remem- 
ber — just for a little while. 

Virgie. Oh, goody, goody, goody ! Come on, 
Sally Ann. We can play with Mama's keys. { Tak- 
ing keys from basket and handling them) Here 



14 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

they are! {Crosses to Sally Ann and pushes her 
off) Hurry up ! 

Sally. Wait dar ! Whar I put my s'wode ? 
(Crosses and taking up stick) Here it is. (Thrusts 
sword stick into a rope which she ties around zvaist) 

ViRGiE. (Putting doll in siving, and giving it a 
push) Susan Jemima, you can sit there and look on. 
{Turning to Mrs. Cary) We have to begin where 
Blue Beard goes away on a journey. Come on, 
Sally Ann. Get up, Mama. (Mrs. Gary crosses 
to R. c. ViRGiE sits on steps) 

Sally. (Crosses to Mrs. Gary strutting for- 
ward, standing and speaking sternly) 'Ooman— I'se 
gwine away for a night an' a dzy. Here de keys to 
de castle. (Handing keys and pointing to imaginary 
door) 

Mrs. Gary. Yes, sir. 

Sally. You kin look in ev'ry room in de house 
'cep' in des dat one, Orn'estan' me? Des dat one! 
But ef you looks in dar — Gawd he'p you ! I gwine 
cut yo' haid off. (Bus. of cutting head off) Fyar- 
well ! (Exit R.) 

Mrs. Gary. Farcv/ell, my lord. (Crosses to r. c. 
as Sally stalks off at r. Mrs. Gary turns to 
Virgie) Vv'hat do we do no\v? 

Virgie. Now / come in. I'm sister Anna that 
looks for the horseman in the cloud of dust. 
{Crosses to Mrs. Gary, changing tone) Good 
morning, fair slsler. Blue Beard has gone away, 
and now we can look in his secret room. (Pointing 
at imaginary door) 

Mrs. Gary. (Crosses to c.) No, Sister Anna, 
no. I dare not. (Moving away tragically) Urge 
me no more. I am afraid! (Crosses to r. c.) 

Virgie. (Coaxingly) But mother, you have to. 
It's part of the play. (Leading her) Gome on. 
That's right — an' — an' now when you — when you 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 15 

look in — you drop the keys — an' we both scream. 
{They open imaginary door. They scream. Mus. 
Carv drops keys and Vikgie clasps her in her anus. 
Both, take three steps to the front) It's blood ! It's 
the blood of his seven wives! O-o-o-o-e-e. 

Mrs. Cary. (As Sally is heard to roar off- 
stage) i^Iercy! What's that? (Kneels) 

ViRGTE. It's Blue Beard ! He's comin' back ! 

Mrs. Cary. (Rising) Horrors! (Rise) What 
do I do now ? 

ViRGiE. Jus' make believe — that you haven't done 
a single thing. (Goes to l.) 

(Enter Sally Ann slozvly from r. zvith folded arms 
and a frown. Mrs. Cary places hands on hips 
and takes a feiv dancing steps.) 

Mrs. Cary. (Crossing to c. frojn l.) Greeting, 
my lord. I hope you have enjoyed your journey. 

Sally. (Severely) 'Ooman — what mak you 
look so pale? 

Mrs. Cary. I know not, sweet sir. Am I then so 
pale? 

Sally. You is ! What you be'n up to sence I 
be'n away? 

Mrs. Cary. I, my lord? 

ViRGiE. (Crossing to Mrs. Cary) Hang your 
head, mother. Hang your head ! 

Sally. (As Mrs. Cary hangs her head) Ha! 
What I tole you ? Look at de blood on dat key ! 
False 'ooman, you done deceib me. (Drawing 
szcord stick. Enter Uncle Billy) Git down on 
yo' marrow bones an' prepar to die ! 

(Billy above house zvith a bridle and carriage whip. 
He stands in amazement as Mrs. Cary falls on 
her knees. Sally raises stick.) 



i6 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Mrs. Gary. Spare me, my lord ! Spare me. I 
am so 

Billy. (Dropping bridle and running forward 
angrily) Heh, you ! You li'l wooley haided imp ! 
You tech Miss Hallie wid dat ar stick an' I bus' you 
v/ide open ! 

;\[rs. Gary. (Lifting her hands) Heaven be 
praised ! My darling brother hath arrived ! (Puis 
hands on Billy) 

ViRGiE. (Advancing in disgust) Oh, no, no, no! 
It isn't time for the brother yet, Mama. Sit down, 
Uncle Biily. We are havin' a play. 

Billy. (Bus. of striking at Sally Ann with 
wJiip. Taking scat) Maybe you is ; but I lay ef I 
wrop my carriage whip roun' her laig — des oncet — 
she'll hop all de way to de river. 

Sally. (Half crying. Crosses to l. making a 
wide circle around Billy's whip) Miss Hallie, ef 
he stay here, I ain't gwine play ! 

Mrs. Gary. There now — he won't interrupt 
again. Go on, Sally. (Kneels) 

Billy. (As Sally advances) He, he! Whar 
she git dem whiskers at? (As Sally looks at him) 
Go on, nigger ! 

ViRGiE. (Quickly) Uncle Billy, you shut up! 

Billy. Yes'm. I'm shuttin'. 

Sally. (To Mrs. Gary. Circling around her) 
I gwine down stars to git my dinner. When I come 
back, I sho gwine kill you. Fyar you well. (Exit 
at R. making luide curve as she passes Billy) 

ViRGiE. Now, mother. I have to watch at the 
castle window. (Goes up-stage and stands outside 
of gate) 

Mrs. Gary. Yes, you be sister Anna. (On her 
knees) Sister Anna, Sister Anna, do you see any- 
body coming? 

ViRGiE. Nothing, Fatima, but a little cloud of 
dust that is made by the wind. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 17 

Billy. Who she spectin', anyhow, Mi:i3 llanie? 

Mrs. Gary. S-h-h! (Rocking herself from side 
to side) Sister Anna, Sister Anna, do you see'n 
abociy comin' ? 

ViKGiE. Oh, Fatima, Fatima. It's growing 
bigger ? 

Billy. Dar now ! 

Mrs. Caky. What, Sister Anna, what? 

ViRGiE. [Excitedly) The dust! The dust! I 
see a horseman in a cloud of dust! (Mrs. Gary 
rises) He's comin' this way! Oh, look! Look! 
(Billy rises) He's jumped the fence an' is cuttin* 
across our fields! (Becoming more excited) He 
sees me ! He sees me ! He's wavin' his hat ! He's 
wavin' his hat to me ! (She cries out joyfully, runs 
throitgJi opoiing i)i hedge, ivaving her arms as site 
disappears at left rear. j\Ibs. Gary rises in con- 
sternation) 

Billy. Name er Gawd, Miss Hallie, you reckon 
she done brought somebody sho' nuff ? 

Sally. (Entering from r.) What de matter, 
Miss Hallie? What de matter? 

Mrs. Gary. Nothing, Sally — only — the child is 
taking this thing too seriously. You mustn't play 
such games with her again. You see — (Cros^^es up 
to tree above house) 

Billy. Hi ! Listen ! / hear suppin' ! 'Tis a 
horse! (Going to rear, while sounds grow louder 
and Virgie is heard to cheer. Stopping at hedge 
in amasenient) Lan' er Glory ! Hit's /j/in.' 

Mrs. Gary. Who, Uncle Billy, who? 

(Herbert Gary enters on horseback from left rear, 
with Virgie in front of him on saddle.) 

Virgie. It's daddy! It's daddy! It's daddy, 
mother ! He came just like the brother. You better 
look out, Sally Ann ! 



i8 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Mrs. Gary. Herbert! 

(Gary laughs and zvaves his hand, dismounti7ig with 
ViRGiE. He is dressed as an officer in the Con- 
federate army, and is dusty and stained.) 

Gary. (Comes dozvn c. Corning to Mrs. Gary 
zvith open arms, he kisses her, holding her in his 
arms, then looks tenderly into her upraised face, 
while he strokes her hair) Oh, God ! but it's good 
to see you again ! It's good ! 

{They stand for an insant in silent embrace.) 

Sally. {Edging up bashfully, with her beard in 
her R. hand) How you does, Mars' Gary? How 
you fin' yo'se'f, seh? 

Gary. Why, hullo, Sally Ann ! What on earth is 
this? (Starts to shake hands, but stops) 

ViRGiE. Why, we are playing Blue Beard and you 
came just like the brother. 

Gary. (Half drawing sivord) I believe I have 
the pleasure of — cutting you into ribbons. (Laughs 
as Sally backs away r.) 

Virgie. Oh, don't be such a goosie ! 

Gary. (Laughing) Sally Ann, in fact I'm going 
to make a sister Anna of you. You run up to Mi:^s 
Hallie's room, and sit by the window, where you can 
watch the road and the woods. If you see anything 
— soldiers, I mean 

(Sally crosses to porch.) 

Mrs. Gary. Oh, Herbert ! You don't 



Gary. S-h-h-h! Just do as I tell you, Sally; 
and if you see anyone at all, report to me at once. 
Understand? Off with you] 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 19 

Sally. Yas, sch. {E.vil info house, as Billv 
comes forivard icitli a turkey i^'iug) 

Billy. Hch, Mars' Gary, leinnic dus' you off, 
seh. You's fyar kiver'd ! (Starts to brush, when 
Mrs. Gary backs away coughimj) 

Gary. (Laughing and pushing him away) Look 
out, you old rascal, you are choking your mistress 
to death. There — never mind the dust. I'll get it 
back in ten minutes. 

Mrs. Gary. But, Herbert! Must you go so 
soon ? 

Gary, Yes. I'm on my way to Richmond. (To 
Billy) How many horses are in the stable? 

Mrs. Gary. (Sits) There are only two left 
now. 

Billy. Belle and Lightfoot. 

Mrs. Gary. We sold the others. I had to. 

Gary. Yes, yes, I know. It couldn't be helped. 
(To Billy) Here, Billy, take my horse and Belle. 
Lead them dov.'ii to the swamp, and hide them in 
the cedars. Then saddle Lightfoot — bring him here 
and give him some water and a measure of corn. 
Look sharp, Billy ! Lively! (Crosses to bench) 

Billy. Yas, seh. Right av/ay, seh! (Hurries 
out at l. rear) 

Mrs. Gary. \Miy, Herbert, dear! (Crossing to 
him) You — you don't mean to say that the Yankees 
are in the neighborhood. 

Gary. (His arm about her) Now, come — don't 
be alarmed. It may be nothing. (Leading her to 
seat at r. — sitting beside her. Virgie kneels at r. 
of Garry) There are several foraging parties — 
small ones — a few miles below us. I've been dodg- 
ing them all morning. If they come at all they won't 
trouble either you or Virgie. 

Vircie. I'm not afraid of 'em, daddy-man. 
(Doubling her fist) Look at that! 



20 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Gary. {Hugging her) Aha ! There's a brave 
little Rebel ! Foi/Ve not afraid of them! {Turning 
to Mrs. Gary) Nor you either, God bless you. 
{Smiling) Only, you are apt to be a little too 
haughty. If they search the house for arms or 
stragglers, make no resistance. It's best. 

Mrs. Gary. Yes, yes, I know ; but you, dear — 
you! Why are you here? Why aren't you with 
your company? 

Gary. Scouting duty ! I've been on it for the 
past two months. 

Mrs. Gary. A scout ! But, darling, why ? It's 
so dangerous — so 

Gary. {Checking her lightly) Ah, but think of 
the fun in it. It's like playing hide and go seek 
with Virgie. 

Mrs. Gary. Herbert. 

Gary. {As she lifts her arms to hiin he clianges 
his tone) They need me, dear; they need me. 
What is the danger to one man, when Dixie is 
calling to us all ? And I'm doing work — good work. 
I've already given one battle to General Lee, and 
now I have information that will give him another 
and a bigger one. Tv/o nights ago I came through 
the Union lines. I 

Mrs. Gary. {Rising) What ! Through the 
Yankee lines? Oh, Herbert. Not as a sf-'y! 

Gary. A spy? Of course not. I hid in the v.'oods 
all day, then climbed a tall pine tree and got the lay 
of their camp — the number of their guns — the dis- 
position of forces and their lines of trenches. Yes- 
terday I had the wires at Gity Point, and started 
trouble. I'm on my way to join my command but 
had to stop to change horses. Poor old Roger got 
a wound in the flank — from a stray bullet. 

Mrs. Gary. A stray bullet? 

Gary. {Smiling) Yes. It was intended for me. 

Virgie. But, daddy; while you were up in the 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 21 

tree — {She is iiitcrnil^tcd by the excited entrance of 
Sally ) 

Sally. ]\Lirs' Cary ! Mars' Cary ! Somebody 
comin' long de road ! 

Cary. (Rises quickly and up to gate) Who? 
How many? 

Sally. Des' one. 01' Dr. Simmons. He drivin' 
by de gate in de buggy. 

Mrs. Cary. Oh, Sally ! Sally ! 

Sally. But, Lor', Miss Hallie, he tol' me fer to 
tell him. 

Cary. {Laughing, crosses to Sally near steps) 
That's right. You're a good sentry. Go back and 
watch again. Scoot! 

Sally. Yas, seh. {Exit into house) 

Mrs. Cary. (r. c.) Now, dear," can't you come 
into the house and let me give you something to eat ? 

Cary. {Taking her cheeks in his palms) No, 
hop-cy ; I'm afraid I can't. Just fix me up some- 
thing — an}'thing you can find — and I'll munch it in 
the saddle. 

Mrs. Cary. {Crosses to steps of porch) Very 
well. I'll do the best I can. {Slipping her arms 
about his neck. Standing on steps) But, oh, how 
I wish it was all over, and we had you home again ! 

Cary. {Patting her shoulder) It soon ivill be 
over sweetheart. It soon 7vill be. 

Mrs. Cary. {Releasing hint and stepping back) 
Herbert! You mean — {Steps up one step. As he 
sighs and half turns a^vay) But isn't there a hope — 
even — the tiniest ray? 

Cary. There is always hope — as long as v/e have 
a man. {Kisses her hand. As Mrs. Cary looks at 
him, sighs, turns and enters house, he turns brightly 
to ViRGiE. Crosses to bench) Well, little lady? 
Have you been taking good care of mother — and the 
rest of the plantation? 

ViRGiE. {Sitting on ground r. of bench) Yes, 



22 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

sir. Susan Jemima an' me have been lookin' after 
everything. 

Gary. Fine ! Keep at it. 

ViRGiE. Yes, sir. But — but daddy we had to eat 
up Gen'ral Butler. 

Gary. Eat up General Butler! Why — why, 
what are you talking about? 

ViRGiE. Well, you know, daddy, Gen'ral Butler 
was our calf ? 

Gary. Galf? Oh, I see. 

ViRGiE. We named her that 'cause one day, 
when I was feedin' her with milk, she — she almost 
swallowed my silver spoon. 

Gary. {Laughing as he lifts her up) Well! 
Well ! And so you had the General court-martialled, 
eh? Wish I'd been here for one of old Ben's cut- 
lets. {Puts arm around Virgie and lifts her to his 
knee) Everything else all right? 

Virgie. No, sir. The — niggers have all run 
away — {Pause) 'cept jus' Uncle Billy an' Sally Ann. 
Jeems Henry went this morning. 

Gary. The thunder he did ! The scamp. 
{Crosses to c.) 

Virgie. Sally Ann and me saw him in the woods. 
{Crosses to c. to Gary) He's gone to join the 
Yankees. {As Gary makes impatient gesture, pac- 
ing to and fro) Daddy-man, do you like bein' a 
scout ? 

Gary. {Smiling) Well, not particularly. There 
are too many blue boys after me — with a pinch of 
salt, 

Virgie. H'm ! I wish / was a man, too. 

Gary. Do you? What would you do? 

Virgie. I'd get a big, sharp sword — like yours — 
an' when the blue boys come, I'll stick 'em in the 
stomach. 

Mrs. Gary. {Advancing from house zvith bundle, 
while Billy appears at rear, feeding and watering 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 23 

horse) It isn't much, clear; but it's the best we 
have. 

(ViRGiE goes up to hedge.) 

Cary. (Pocketing bundle) Honey! (Kisses 
her, then speaks seriously) But tell me, is it true 
that James Henry ran away this morning? 

Mrs. Cary. (Sadly) Yes. I knew he would 
lcav2 us sooner or later ; so I made no effort to de- 
tain him. 

Cary. You did right. Which way did he go? 

Mrs. Cary. Up the river. Uncle Billy says he's 
gone over to a Union camp on the Chickahominy. 

Cary, (Sharply) Chickahominy! 

(Crosses to r. in front of seat.) 

Mrs. Cary. Yes. Why? 

Cary. (Turning aivay in frozvning thought, 
crosses to tree) I'm glad to knov/ this. It's most 
important — (Pause) but still — (Pause) 

Mrs. Cary. \\'hat is it, dear? What is it? 
(Crosses to him) 

Cary. Why, don't you see, darling? They are 
gradually closing in on us — surrounding Richmond ? 

I\Irs. Cary. Herbert ! 

Cary. (Bitterly) Yes, it's true. We can fight 
with thousands — and tens of thousands ; but not with 
half the world. (Sits) Our armies are exhausted. 
Dwindling day by day. We are drawing from the 
cradle and the grave ! Old men — who can scarcely 
Ivjar the weight of a musket on their shoulders ; and 
boys — mere children — who are sacrificed to the 
Mood-stained wheels. The best ! The flower of our 
land ! We are dumping them all into a big, red 
hopper. Feed ! Feed ! for this damned machine of 
war! (Sits on bench Zi'ith his face in hands. 



24 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

ViRGiE on seat behind him, slips her anus about his 
neck, while Mrs. Gary advances, sta-iiding at his 
side ) 

Mrs. Gary. (Crosses to hlin, puts anns on his 
shoulders) There, dear, don't! Don't grow 
despondent. Think ! Even though you've fought a 
losing fight, it has been a splendid, glorious one — 
and God will not forget the S'ars and Bars! {As 
Gary lifts his head) You still have us — who love 
yo'.i — to the end ! — and hght 3'our battles — on our 
knees. (Kneels) 

Gary. (Takes her in }:!s anus. I\Ius. Gary's 
hands on his shoulders) Forgive me, honey. You 
are right — and bravest after all. It is you — you 
women — who save us in the darkest hours. You — 
our wives— our mothers— who v/age a silent battle 
in the lonely broken homes. You give us love and 
pity — tenderness and tears— a fiag of pride that turns 
defeat to victory. (Removing his hat) The women 
of the South! (Rises) A crutch — on v/hich the 
staggering hope of Dixie leans 1 (He opens his 
arms. She runs into them, and for a moment they 
stand in silent embrace. Tiie picture is broken by 
the hurried and frightened entrance of Sally Ann 
from house) 

Sally. Mars' Gary ! Mars' Gary ! Dey's comin' 
dis time — sho' 'nuff. (Whimpers) 

(Enter Billy.) 

Mrs. Gary. What ! Where are they ? 

Gary. How many? (Crosses to c.) 

Sally. Dey's comin' th'u de woods — an' Lawd 
Gawd, de yearth is fyar blue wid *em. 

Virgie. (Crosses to l. of Gary) Daddy! 
Daddy ! Run away — quick ! 

Gary. All right. Bill, you take Lightfoot down 
to the edge of the woods. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 25 

Mrs. Cary. (Crosses to r. of Cary) Yes, go, 
Herbert ! Go ! I'm so afraid for you ! 

Cauy. {Kissing her) Now don't worry. They 
can't catch Lightfoot. {Kissing Virgik) Good- 
bye, lioney. Take care of mother. Good-bye ! 

jMrs. Gary. Herbert! Which way will you go? 

Gary. Across the river — to the Chesterfield side. 

Mrs. Gary. {Pointing to right rear) But the 
Yankees came that way, too. 

Gary. I know it. I'll have to circle around them. 
If they've left a guard at the crossing, I'll swim the 
river higher up. {Touching pistol on his hip. 
Crosses upstage, then turns) Listen for three shots 
in quick succession — and you'll know I've crossed. 
{TaJiCS her in his arms and kisses her) 

Billy. {As trumpet is heard) Dar dey is! 
D^y's comin' ! Hurry, Mars' Herbert! Dey git 
you I 

Gary. {To Mrs. Gary) If I only had a few 
men I'd stay ; but alone — I can't — you know I can't ! 
Good-bye — God bless you! {Vaults into saddle, 
i^'aves his hand and goes out at right rear) 

ViiiGiE. {Calling after him, up r. l.) Good- 
bye, Daddy-man ! Good-bye ! 

Billy. {Crosses dozen to Sally) What de 
matter wid you, nigger ! You look le'k a chick'n wid 
de haid cut off I 

(Sally whimpers. Sotinds of approaching men off 
stage l.) 

Mrs. Gary. {Crosses to Sally) There, Uncle 
Billy, don't! You, Sally, listen to me! {Taking 
Sally by shoulders and shaking her) Listen to 
me ! You and Virgie run through the grove to the 
old ice house — (Virgie comes dozvn r. c.) and hide 
under the pine tags. Understand ? 

Sally. {In whimpering terror) But I skeer'd 



26 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

to go, Miss Hallie. I wan' stay here wid you! 
Ou-ou! (Sobs) 

Mrs. Gary. But you can't, I tell you ! You 
can't ! You'll tell everything. Go do what I say — 
at once ! Do you hear me ? Go ! 

ViRGiE. {Crossing to Sally, putting her arm) 
Oh, come on. /'// take care of you. Come on ! 

Mrs. Gary. {Kissing Virgie and pushing her 
and Sally totvard r.) There's a brave little dear! 
I'll come for you as soon as they've gone. Hurry 
now ! Hurry ! 

Virgie. Wait I Wait! {Running to szving and 
taking up doll) Goodness gracious, mother, I nearly 
forgot my child. {Exits with Sally Ann at r.) 

Mrs. Gary. {Crosses to r. c.) Now, Uncle 
Billy, remember! If the Yankees ask for my hus- 
band, you haven't seen him. 

BILLY^ Nor'm, dat's right. I dunno dat you 
eben got one. {Pushing her gently tozvard house) 
You go in de house, Miss Hallie. Dat's de bes' 
way — yas'm. 

Mrs. Gary. {Crosses to the house. Hesitating as 
sounds of approach grow louder) Well — perhaps 
it is best. The longer we can detain the Yankees 
here the better for Gaptain Gary. You'd better come 
yourself. 

Billy. {Again pushing her to steps) Yas'm. 
In des' a minnit. I be dar in des' a minnit. Yas'm. 

{Exit Mrs. Gary into house. Billy stands for a 
moment listening to approaching sounds. He 
reaches tmder porch, takes out an axe, goes up 
steps and stands on guard with his back against 
door. Off-stage is heard a loud bugle note, 
the orders to dismount, etc. After a mo- 
ment from left rear enter half a dozen troopers, 
led by Sergeant Dudley, red-faced and 
drunk.) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 27 

Dudley This way, boys! / know the place 
I ve been here before. IVc'll get the liquor and the 
Sliver while the Colonel is stealing the horses eh ? 
{Laughs and comes forivard, pausing as he sees 
i.iLLV on porch) Hello, you damned old ape' 
Come down from there and show us where you 
Imried the silver and the whiskey! Hear me? 
Come down! (.^^ Billy stands zcithout anszcerj 
All right Then 77/ come up and get you' 
{^taggers forz^'ard) ^ 

^•^^^'Vr^^°^' here, white man! You stay whar 
you IS ! Ef you come up dem steps I'll split yo' ugly 
haid ! (As Dudley and the men laugh, Billy 
points finger) I know you, Jim Dudley! Mars' 
Cary done give you one horse whippin', an' ef vou 
hang roun here you'll git a nudder one. 
A ^}-''''^^'^'-(^'''\ously) Yes, he did, damn him! 
And now I 11 do the same for you! (He runs up 
steps, tJirusts axe aside zvith his carbine barrel 
seises Billy by the throat and pushes him against 
zval fhe door opens quickly and Mrs. Caky comes 
out, pushing him aside) 

Mrs. Cary. (On porch) Stop it! Stop it' 
Leave my servant alone— instantly ' 

Dudley. (Stepping back) H-r-r-r! .Airs 
Cary, eh? (Ironically) I'm glad to see you 

iMrs. Cary. (Looking at him in anger and con- 
tempt, and turning to men bclozv porch) Who is in 
command here? 

Dudley, /am! And I'd just as soon have you 
get me a drink as the nigger. Come on, sweetheart ' 
(Crosses to steps, and just as he is starting up 
CoLoxEL Morrison appears at left rear zvith a dozen 
troopers, he vaults the hedge, runs forzi'ard, catch- 
ing Dudley by fhe collar and pulling him dozen 
steps) • ^ 

Morrison. (Furiously) You drunken whelp! 
iiy God, I ought to have you shot (Flinging him 



2S THE LITTLEST REBEL 

aside so that he stumbles into the arms of a trooper, 
then turning on him again. Points to rear) Report 
to Lieutenant Harris— at once — as under arrest! 
{As Dudley mutters defiantly) Corporal! Take 
his gun ! {As CoRPOiiAL Dudley steps forivard 
from line of men taking gun, Morrison turns to the 
other troopers xvho first entered) You men will 
hear from me, too ! {Again pointing to rear) Go 
to the stable and wait ! Another piece of work like 
this, and I'll have your coats cut off with a belt 
buckle! Clear out! {Crosses down so back is to- 
ward Dudley. The men start out, Dudley mutter- 
ing and looking hack) 

Corporal. {As his brother passes him) Don't 
be a fool, Jim. Obey orders. 

{The men pass out leaving Corporal and Morri- 
son's line of troopers standing at attention. 
Morrison turns to Mrs. Cary on porch.) 

Morrison. Madam — I couldn't apologize for this, 
no matter how hard I tried ; but, believe me, I 
regret it — deeply. 

Mrs. Cary. No apology is demanded. I was 
merely unfamiliar with the Union's method of at- 
tack. 

Morrison. {Stepping hack) Attack? 

Mrs. Cary. {On porch) What else? My home 
is over-run; my servant assaulted — by a drunken 
ruffian. 

Morrison. {Sternly) The man will be punished 
to the limit of my authority. 

Mrs. Cary. He should be. We know him. 

Morrison. My sergeant? Dudley? 

Mrs. Cary. Yes. Before the war he was an 
overseer — here. He was cruel to the negroes, and 
my husband gave him a taste of his own discipline — 
with a riding whip! 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 29 

Morrison. Ah, I see. (Looking to rear, then 
back to Mrs. Gary) It is not always in an officer's 
power to control each individual in the service — 
especially at such a time. But I beg to assure you 
that on the part of the Union — and mine — there was 
no intention of attack. 

Mrs. Gary. (Descends steps. In smiling 
sarcasm) Oh! Then since your visit would seem 
a social one — how may I serve you, sir? 

Morrison. (Laughing lightly) I'm afraid, my 
dear madam, you are vvTong again. (As she turns 
in inquiry) My detachment has been ordered on 
foraging duty. It is not a pleasant task — but our 
army is in need of horses and supplies, and by the 
rules of war, I must talce what I can find. 

Mrs. Gary. Even by force? 

Morrison. Yes — even force — with its proper 
limitations. (Smiling) I rob you, it is true; yet by 
the virtue of necessity. And in return, I can only 
offer — (Again taking off hat) — as I would to every 
Other woman of the South — all courtesy and protec- 
tion at my command. (Do7vs to her) 

Mrs. Gary. (With a siveeping courtesy) I thank 
you. There is consolation — and even flattery — in 
being plundered by a gentleman. (IVitli a gesture, 
indicating the house and plantation) I regret that 
we have nothing left; yet I beg you — help yourself. 

Morrison. (Atnused) At least you make my 
undertal:ing a difficult one, although the Lord knows 
I hardly blame you. (As slie turns to him) Are 
there any rebels hidden in your house ? 

Mrs. Gary. No. 

MoRRiso::. No wounded officers — or refugees of 
any kind? 

Mrs. Gary. None. 

MoRRTSON. You give me your word for this — 
your oath? 



30 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Mrs. Cary. I do. (Starts to go up steps intj 
house ) 

Morrison. Thank you. {Turns to men as if 
about to dismiss them, hesitates, and turns) Pardon 
me, madam; but if it was true — {Pointing to house) 
if a brother — or a father — was concealed in there — 
wouldn't your answer be the same? 

Mrs. Cary. {Quietly) I would try to protect 
them — even with a perjury. 

Morrison. Ah ! Then don't you see, you tie the 
hands of courtesy — and force me — to this invasion 
of your home. {Turning) Corporal! {As the 
Corporal takes step forzvard and salutes) Make a 
search of the house for hidden arms or stragglers — 
and report to me. If any rebels are found — bring 
them out. {As Corporal starts to turn) Wait! 
Nothing else — zvhatever — must be taken or molested 
{Signs to him to go. Corporal salutes and turns 
to men) 

Corporal. 'Tention! Carry arms! Left face! 
Ready. Advance! {As they start forward, TvIrs. 
Cary intercepts them) 

Mrs. Cary. {Comes down off porch) One 
moment ! {As the men stop involuntarily, she turns 
to Billy on porch) William ! Conduct these 
soldiers through my house — and show them every 
courtesy. If the Colonel's orders are not obeyed 
report to me. 

Billy. Yas'm. {Grins and touches hat in 
imitation of Corporal) 

Morrison. {Laughing) I'm sorry you still have 
doubts of my honorable intentions. {With mock 
humility) May — may my soldiers go in now? 
{As she nods and crosses to bench. Sits) Thank 
you. {He waves his hand to Corporal zvho ad- 
vances with men. Billy shoulders axe and leads 
way. Exit with them into house. Morrison stands 
for an instant, looking at Mrs. Cary and rubbing 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 31 

Jus chin. He crosses to her) Er — I find yonr 
stable empty — {As she looks up) although it seems 
to have been recently occupied. 

Mrs. Carv. Yes? 

MoRRisox. Yes. You can insure a much more 
speedy departure — by telling me where these horses 
have been hidden. 

Mrs. Cary. Granted that we had them, I'm 
afraid I must trouble you to hunt for them. Other- 
v/ise there would be no sense in trying to protect my 
property. 

Morrison. Right again! {Going tip-stage to 
hedge and calling) Orderly! {As man appears 
around corner of house and salutes) Report to 
Lieutenant Harris at the stables, and have him hunt 
the woods and swamp for hidden horses. Hurry ! 
We must leave in half an hour. (Oiuderly ivhispcrs 
to him. Exits l.) Yes, sir. {As OiiDERLV salutes 
and retires, Morrison looks down at spot zvhcrc 
Gary's horse has been fed. He glances at Ishis. 
Gary, then conies doivn to her. She has taken up 
her sezi'ing again) I also notice — that a horse has 
recently been fed and watered in your carriage road. 
\\'hose was he? 

Mrs. Gary. We have several neighbors, Golonel. 
They visit us at infrequent times. 

jVIorrison. Undoubtedly. But when they call, 
do you usually feed their horses f 

Mrs. Gary. What little hospitality is ours — ex- 
tends to both man and beast. 

Morrison. I can well believe it. {Smiling) 
And in happier times could wish it might extend — 
to me. (Mrs. Gary rises haughtily) Oh, I mean 
no offense. Why should I ? And I only want you 
to believe that I'm sorry for this intrusion. {Turns 
azcay. Goes to house, otic foot on lozvcr step) 

Mrs. Gary. {Reseating herself) And was that 
the reason you asked about my neighbor's horse ? 



32 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Morrison. (Turning. Crosses to back of her) 
No. There's a Rebel scout who has been giving us 
trouble — a lot of it. (Watching her narrowly) 
Handsome fellow — riding a bay mare. I thought, 
perhaps, he might have passed this way. 

Mrs. Cary. It is more than possible. The road 
out yonder is a public one. 

Morrison. It is, indeed ! And where does It 
lead to, may I ask ? 

Mrs. Cary. (Taking a stitch, then looking tip) 
Well, that depends somewhat upon which v/ay you 
are travelling — and which fork you take. 

Morrison. Possibly. But suppose you were rid- 
ing North. Wouldn't the right fork lead to Rich- 
mond — and the left swing around toward the river 
crossing ? 

Mrs. Cary. As for that, I must refer you to a 
more competent authority. 

Morrison. Who ? 

Mrs. Cary. (Smiling) Mr. Jefferson Davis. 
He will, I am sure, be happy to enlighten you. 

(Morrison, in slight irritation turns azuay. Lieut. 
Harris rides in at l. saluting Morrison.) 

Morrison. Well, Harris? 

Harris. I have to report, sir, that we've gotten 
what little hay and corn there was in the stables, 
and are waiting for your orders. 

Morrison. Very well. We leave in a few 
minutes. In the meantime, send a squad of men 
along this road — (Pointing to r.) — toward the river 
crossing. The best shots you have! (Glancing at 
Mrs. Cary) You understand. Lively! 

(Mrs. Cary registers her fear for Cary.) 

Harris, {Turning his horse) Yes, Colonel. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 33 

(Esit at L. .-Is Morrison titrns to Mrs. Cary, he is 
checked by the entrance froui house of the troopers, 
led by the Corporal, zvith Billy beside him. 
Troopers stand at attention) 

Morrison. Well, Corporal? 

Mrs. Cary. {IV ho has arisen and advanced, 
checking Corporal i^'ith a lifted hand, and address- 
ing Billy) Well, William? 

Billy. {Grinning) 'Tis all right. Miss Hallie. 
Dey ain't took nothin' — not a sin'l thing. 

Mrs. Cary. Thank you, William. {To the 
troopers) And thank you, gentlemen. {To Mor- 
rison) Colonel — {She crosses to seat under tree, 
zi'hile Billy goes back to porch. At left, in carriage 
road, a squad of men ride quickly across and go out 
at R. Mrs. Cary registers) 

Morrison. Now then, Corporal — {Indicating 
house) you found — what? 

Corporal. Nothing, sir. We hunted from cellar 
to roof. No rebels. No hidden arms. 

Morrison. H'm! Anything else? 

Corporal. Three bedrooms, sir. All seem to be 
in use. 

Morrison. Three! Ah! That's all — join you in 
a moment. 

Corporal. {Saluting and turning to men) Ten- 
tion ! Carry — h'm's ! Shoulder h'm's ! Right about 
face! H'c'h! 

(Billy on porch follows Manual ivith his axe. Men 
exit.) 

Mrs. Cary. Well, Colonel? Are you satisfied? 

Morrison. {Crossing up to foot of steps. Billy 
is leaning against pillar of house) On one point, 
yes. On another — no! {Indicating Billy on 
porch) Surely you are not here alone — with this 
one old negro? {As she looks at him defiantly, mak- 



34 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

ing no answer. He comes to c.) Madam, we are 
wasting time. I'm after — a Rebel scout. / want 
hmi! Which way did he go? 

Mrs. Gary. I'm sorry, sir ; but our Rebel scouts 
usually neglect to mention their precise intentions. 

Morrison. Perhaps. If this one went at all. Is 
he still here? 

Mrs. Gary. I should imagine — not ! {Starting to 
L. hut pausing) As you yourself most cleverly dis- 
covered, we fed his horse. Then since he had one — 
and a good one, by the way — he would scarcely 
linger to receive you. 

Morrison. Ah! {Pointing to road) Then he 
did go — this way — to the river crossing? {As she 
pauses before ansivering, three shots are heard in 
the distance. Morrison turns and looks off right 
rear, while Mrs. Gary registers her relief. Mor- 
rison coming dozvn to Mrs. Gary) What is that? 

I'Irs. Gary. {Smiling) It sounds— like firing — 
(Moving to foot of steps) But I think it is a friend 
of mine — saluting me — from across the river. 
Good-evening. {Stai'ts up steps) 

Morrison. One moment — please ! {As she turns 
in question) I must he answered! 

Mrs. Gary. Well? 

Morrison. My Gorporal reports that three of 
your rooms are in use. {As she looks at him 
defiantly, making no anszver) Who are the present 
members of your family? 

Mrs. Gary. {Hesitating, then coming down 
steps) Beside myself and this old man, I have a 
nurse — and my little girl. 

Morrison. Where are they? 

Mrs. Gary. When we heard you coming, I sent 
them yonder — through the grove — to an old aban- 
doned ice house. 

Morrison. Why? 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 35 

Mrs. Caky. Had I known that a gentleman was 
in command 

Morrison. Thank you — just one thing more. 
Are they alone, these two? No other besides your 
nurse and little one ? 

Mrs. Gary. No other, Colonel. 1 give you my 
pledge — of honor. {Looking him steadily in the 
eye) \i you have one single doubt — I'll take you to 
them. Come. 

Morrison. {Detaining her. as sounds of hoofs 
> re heard off-stage) I hardly think it necessarv. 
Ihe word of a gentlewoman — is all I ask. {Bows, 
lohilc Mrs. Gary makes a deep curtsey. Off-stage 
hoof beats stop abruptly, and a voice is heard " For 
Colonel Morrison! Urgent! ") 

Orderly. This way. {Appears at rear, saluting 
as Morrison steps tozcard him) Gourier, sir — with 
dispatches. 

Courier. {Entering l. rear, dusty and stained; 
advances) Lieutenant Colonel Morrison? 

Morrison. Yes. 

Courier. {Handing dispatcJi) From head- 
quarters. I'm ordered to return with your detach- 
ment. 

(Morrison reads dispatch, registers end turns 
sharply.) 

Morrison. Orderly ! {As man salutes) Report 
to Harris double quick ! Have him recall the men 
and sound boots and saddle. Then bring my horse — 
here ! {As Orderly runs out at l. Morrison turns 
to courier) Any details? 

Courier. We expect a battle to-morrow. Two 
gun boats reported coming up the river. A wing of 
the Rebel army is advancing from Petersburg. 
Every available detachment is ordered in. (Harris 
exit) You are to reach camp before morning! 



36 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Morrison. (As Bugle call is heard off-stage) 
All right. We'll be there. Ride with us. {IVith 
a gesture he dismisses Courier, zvho salutes and 
exits at rear, zvhile orderly appears leading Morri- 
son's horse along drive. Mrs. Gary crosses to r. 
of bench. Morrison turns to Mrs. Gary) Madam, 
I must make you a rather hurried farewell — and a 
last apology. (As Mrs. Gary bozvs) And now 
you'd better go to your little girl. Just tell her, 
please, I'm sorry if I frightened her. Good-bye. If 
we ever meet again, I hope the conditions may be 
happier— for you. 

Mrs. Gary. {With a curtsey) I thank you, 
Golonel. Some day the rebel scout may thank you 
also for me and mine. 

Morrison, (r. As Mrs. Gary goes out, he calls 
after her) And by the way — personally, I'm glad 
we failed to find your horses! {Turning to Billy 
zvho is still on porch, zvhile sounds of departure 
grozv louder off-stage) Here, old man! Go along 
with your mistress. {As Billy crosses) I'll be 
the last to leave — and will see that nothing is dis- 
turbed. 

Billy. Yas, seh. Thank'e, seh. (Reaching r. 
and turning) If all of 'em whar come was le'k you, 
seh — (Stops abruptly staring at house, his mouth 
going open. Pointing to upper zvindozv from zn'hich 
smoke and flame appears) Look what dey done 
done ! Aw, Gawd a'mighty ! Look what dey done 
done ! 

(The door of house is throzvn open. Sergeant 
Dudley runs out, carrying a lighted pine 
torch.) 

Morrison. God! Dudley! (As Dudley looks 
over shoulder and continues running) Halt ! (He 
jerks out pistol and fires. Dudley falls. Morrison 



THE LITTLEST REBEL '37 

advances, looking down at him) And I promised 
her — protection ! 

First curtain picture 

(Morrison goes to door of house, as if to put out 
fire. He steps backzcard as if driven by flames.) 

Curtain 

( Torch — flash — red fire — fan — smoke-pot.) 



ACT II 



Scene: A room in the house of an overseer on 
some plantation, two months after Act I. 

Stage setting as per accompanying diagram 
At right rear is an open door with green trees 
and bushes beyond. At left rear is a windozv 
li'ith solid shutter — now open. Betiveen door 
and window, about eight feet doivn stage is a 
wooden ladder leading to a closed scuttle in 
the ceiling. 

At L. is a wi)idow zvith solid shutter, closed. 
At L. a little dotvn front is an old and rusty 
cook stove, pipe running through hole in the 
wall. Water kettle with steam coming from 
the spout. 

At R. is a door leading into an adjoining' 
room. At left rear corner is a large deep cup- 
board with two doors nozv closed. At c. is a 
rough board table. There are several chairs 
and a wooden bench. The zoalls are bare. 
They are plastered and broken in places and the 
atmosphere of the room is that of neglect, 
poverty and dilapidation. 



38 THE LITTLES:T REBEL 

No one is on the stage at rise of curtain. In 
the distance can he heard the faint boom of 
cannon. 

At window at rear Herbert Cary appears. 
He wears a soiled and tattered uniform of the 
Confederacy, slouch hat and muddy boots. He 
peers through the window cautiously, then culls 
in a guarded voice. 

Cary. Virgie! — Virgie ! (He disappears from 
zvindow, Altering rooy.i through door, limping 
slightly as he zvalks, t'lcn pauses, crosses siviftly 
to door r., looks in and calls) Virgie ! {He turns 
quickly as if alarmed, sees boiling kettle on stove 
and breathes a sigh of relief. He takes up a bucket 
of water from the floor and drinks eagerly. He 
e.varnines his pistol, snapping it to shoiv that it is 
empty, rummages vainly through a drazver in the 
table, showing that he is looking for ammunition. 
As he turns dejectedly azvay there is a faint sound 
of horses hoofs. He crouches beside zvindow listen- 
ing, then glides into room at r. closing the door., 
The sound of hoofs dies away) 

{A childish voice is heard singing off-stage. Enter 
Virgie from rear. She zvears a gingham dress, 
a calico bonnet and is barefoot. In one hand 
she carries a small tin bucket. Under the other 
arm is a doll made of rags wrapped around part 
of a branch, the tzvo projecting limbs being 
arms. Virgie advances, still singing, draws 
chair up to table, puts a box on it, then sets 
doll on top of box.) 

(Song) 

" Hurrah ! Hurrah ! For Southern rights, hurrah ! 
Hurrah, hurrah for the Bonny Blue Flag 
That bears a single star! 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 39 

ViRCiE. Lord a-mercy cliikl, your chin don't conic 
up to the table. {She flours blackberries from her 
tin pail into a plate, then takes a handful of acorns 
from her pocket, tossing her bonnet aside. Speuki'.uj 
to doll) Now, Miss Susan Jemima, you're goin' to 
have some breakfast. {Shaking her head sadly) 
It isn't very much of a breakfast, darlin** — jus' 
blackberries an' acorn cofTce ; but we'll make believe 
it's tea an' chicken — an' punkin pie an' — an' — every- 
thing. {Holding skirt and making deep bozv) 
Allow me, Miss Jemima, to make you a cup of mos* 
delicious coffee. {Still singing, she crosses to stove 
brings kettle and pours zvater on acorn in a coffee 
pot) Susan, it's ready now, and we'll say grace, 
so don't talk and annoy your mother. {Bow- 
ing head) Lord make us all thankful for the black- 
berries and the acorn coffee — an' — an' all our 
blessin's ; but please, sir, send us somethin' that tastes 
jus' a little better, if you don't mind. Amen ! 

Cary. {Calling) Virgie ! — Virgie ! 

(ViRGiE starts, listening intently and looks about 
in bcivildcrment, as if zvondering zvherc the 
voice came from. Her father puts his head 
through door and calls again.) 

Virgie. {JVith a cry of happiness runs tozvard 
him) Why, daddy, is it you ? Is — {She stops sud- 
denly as he places fnger on his lip) 

Cary. (r. in door r. In guarded tone) Take a 
look out the back way. {^s she crosses to door 
and looks out) Do 3'ou see anybody? {As she 
shakes her head) Hear anything? 

Virgie. No. It's all right. {Running to him) 
It's all right. 

Cary. {Kissing her and taking her up in his 
arms) My little girl! My little rebel! {As she 
snuggles in his arms, crosses to R. of table C. ) Did 
you miss me — azvful much? 



40 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

V'iRGiE. Yes — in the night time — when the wind 
was talkin', but after a while — why, daddy — (As he 
staggers slightly, puts her down and sinks into chair 
L. closing his eyes and leaning on table) You are 
hurt. I — I — I can see the blood ! 

Cary. (Bracing up) No, dear — it isn't any- 
thing. Only a little scratch — from a Yank — that 
tried to get me. But he didn't, though. I'm just — 
tired. 

ViRGiE. (In an awed whisper) Did he — did he 
shoot at you? 

Cary. (Smiling) I'm afraid he did, honey ; but 
I'm so used to it now, I don't mind it any more. 
Get me a drink of water, will you? (As she 
crosses to bucket, returning with cup) I tried to 
get here yesterday — but I couldn't. They chased 
me when I came before — and now they're watching. 
(Sipping water) Big fight down the river — listen] 
Can't you hear the guns ? 

VikGiE. Yes — plain. An' las' night when I went 
to bed, I could hear 'em — oh, ever so loud — Boom ! 
Boom ! So I knelt up and asked the Lord — not to 
let any of 'em hit you ! 

Cary. (Slipping an arm about her, speaking 
tendcrh) Did you, honey? Well, I reckon that 
saved me all right, for not one of them touched me — 
not one. (Shaking his head and sighing) And I 
tell you, Virgie, they were coming thick as bees. 
(Drinks zvatcr) 

Virgie. Daddy — how is General Lee? 

Cary. (Rises, dropping gourd, removing hat, 
and speaking reverently) He's well — God bless 
him! (Closing eyes and speaking sadly) But he's 
tired, darling — mighty tired. (Sinks back into seat) 

Virgie. I'm so sorry, daddy. Will you tell him 
somethin' — from me ? 

Gary. Yes, dear — what? 

Virgie. Tell him — if he ever marches along this 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 41 

wriv, I'll come over to his tent and rul) his head, hke 
I do yours— if he'll let me — till he goes to sleep. 
{Clasf'iug her hands) Do you think he would — if I 
washed my hands — real clean ? 

Cary. Yes, Virgie — I knoiv he would. And 
think ! He sent a message to you! 

VntGiE. {Delighted) To me? 

Gary. (Nodding) He said — " She's a brave 
little soldier to stay there all alone. Dixie and I are 
proud of her." 

ViRGiE. Oh, daddy, did he? 

Gary. (Nodding) And look ! (Taking a folded 
paper from his boot leg) He's written you a pass — ' 
to Ivichmond. Gan you read it ? 

"V'ikGiE. (Leaning against his shoulder and study- 
ing the paper. Pause. She looks up doubtfully) 
He — well — the General writes a awful bad hand, 
daddy. 

Gary. (Siniling) Dead right. I'll read it for 
vou. (Reading) " Headquarters of Army of 
Northern Virginia. Pass Aliss Virginia Gary and 
escort " — that's me — " through all Gonfederate lines, 
R. E. Lee, General." 

Virgie. (Looking up into his eyes) An' he did 
that — for me? (As Gary nods, refolding and re- 
placing paper) Oh, daddy, I love him so much, it — 
it makes me want to cry. (Buries her face on his 
shoulder) 

Gary. (Stroking her hair) And so do we all, 
darling— big grown men — who have suffered and 
are losing all they love. They are ragged and 
wounded, hungry, and oh, so tired. But when they 
tliink of him — they draw up their belts another hole 
— and say — (Rising to his feet, speaking intensely) 
For General Lee — and then they can fight and fight 
and fight — till their hearts stop beating — and the 
God of battles writes them a bloody pass. (He 



42 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

turns, takes several steps aivay and bozvs his head, 
pressing his hand to his eyes) 

ViRGiE. (Coming to him) Don't you worry, 
daddy man. We'll whip 'em yet. 

Cary. No, little girl, we won't. (Sinking into 
chair, speaking almost to himself, sadly) We won't 
— it's hard enough on men, but harder still on chil- 
•dren such as you. (Turning to her) Virgie — (As 
she looks lip at him, he takes both her hands) I had 
hoped to get you through to Richmond — to-day — 
but I can't. The Yankees have cut us off. They 
are up the river and down the river and all around 
us. I've been the whole night getting here — creeping 
through the woods, like a rabbit, with the blue boys 
everywhere, waiting to get me if I showed my head. 

Virgie. But they didn't — did they? 

Cary. Not yet. 

Virgie. Did you bring me anything? (Starts to 
feel in his pocket, ivhen he half pushes her from 
him) 

Cary. Don't, dear, don't. 

Virgie. Daddy ! 

Cary. Listen. I had a nice little bundle for 
you — 'Of things to eat — (Reaching out his hand to 
her nervously) And there was bread in that 
bundle — and meat — real meat — and sugar — and tea ! 

Virgie. (Clapping her hands) Oh, daddy, 
where is it? 'cause I'm so hungry for somethin' 
good. 

Cary. (Rising suddenly and turning away in pain) 
Don't dear, don't — for God's sake don't — don't. 

Virgie. (Going to him in alarm) Daddy, it's 
hurtin' you again — what is it? 

Cary. (Dejectedly) Your bundle, Virgie — I 
lost it— I lost it ! 

Virgie. (Crestfallen) Oh — how did you do it? 

Cary. (Leaning against chair hack) I was con- 
ing through the woods — just as I told you — and the 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 43 

Yankees got sight of me — {SiniUng bravely) And I 
tell you, Virgie, your old dad had to run Ukc a 
turkey — wishing to the Lord he had wings too. 
{As ViRGiE laughs with h'nn — he becomes serious) 
Then the blue boy I was telling you about — when he 
shot at me, I must have stumbled — because when I 
scrambled up — I couldn't see just right — so I ran 
and ran — thinking of you, darling, and wanting to 
bring you the bread and things. (More inte)isely) 
I had your bundle in my coat — but when I fell — 
why Virgie, don't you see — I couldn't go back to 
find it. But I would if my powder hadn't gone. 
(Fiercely) I would, by God, I would! (Sinking 
dejectedly into seat) And now your poor daddy's 
no more use to you. I come to my little girl with 
empty hands — with an empty gun — and an em.pty 
heart. (Bows Jiis head on table, his body shaking 
with sobs) 

Virgie. (Placing an arm about him and stroking 
his head) Don't cry, daddy man — it's all right — it's 
all right. / can eat blackberries. They don't taste 
so awful good when you eat them all the time, but 
I don't mind. We'll have jus' heaps of things when 

we get to Richmond — just heaps — and then 

(She pauses, listening intently. Gary raises his 
head, listening also and speaking in a ichisper) 

Gary. Virgie — you hear — what? 

Virgie. Horses! Oh, a lot of 'em — on the big 
road ! (As muffled beats of hoofs are heard with a 
faint jingling of sabres. It ceases) Why — why, 
they've turned into our road ! (In an awed whisper) 
Daddy — do you reckon it's — Yankees ? 

Gary. (Rising szuiftly) Yes! Morrison's 
cavalry! I'll have to get back to the woods. 
(Kissing her) Good-bye, darling — good-bye. 

(Crosses to door but starts back as though he sazv 
soldiers — crossing and closing zi.'indow, then starting 
back against wall) Shut that door — quick — (As she 



44 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

obeys) Lock it! (As she locks the door and turns 
to him, he comes to her and takes her hands in his, 
speaking earnestly) Listen, Virginia ! Don't you 
remember how your dear, dear Mamma and I 
always told you never to tell a lie? 

ViRGiE. And I haven't, daddy man — deed I 
haven't. 

Gary. Yes, yes, I know — but now — you jnust. 

ViRGiE. {In wonder) What? 

Gary. This once. {As she seems to protest) 
No, listen ! It's to save me — don't you understand ? 
And it's right. If those men come, they mustn't 
find me. Say that I was here but I've gone. If 
they ask which way, tell them down by the spring — 
through the blackberry bushes — Understand? {As 
she nods he takes her in his arms and kisses her) 
Be a brave little rebel, Virgie — for me. {He begins 
to mount the ladder zvhich leads to trap in ceiling, 
but pauses half zvay up as she calls him) 

Virgie. Daddy ! Would General Lee want me 
to tell that lie? 

Gary. Yes, dear — this once. And if you ever see 
him, ask him and he'll tell you so himself. 

Virgie. All right. I'll tell a whopper. 

Gary. God help you, honey — it's for him — and 
vou ! (Gary climbs through the scuttle, draws the 
ladder up after him and closes the trap. Virgie 
sits at table opposite the doll and takes a spoon in 
her hand to eat blackberries. Sounds of approacJiing 
cavalry gro7V louder and louder) 

Virgie. {Addressing doll) Susan Jemima, I 
wouldn't tell anybody else — not for any thin' — but 
I cert'ny am awful scared! {Off-stage the sound 
of approaching cavalry increases and there is a sharp 
order: "Halt! Dismount!" A moment's silence 
follozvs, then there is a knock at the door. Virgie's 
eyes grozv big but she makes no anszver. Much 
louder knock. Still no answer. A low order is 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 45 

heard and then a crash as the door is knocked from 
its hinges by the carbine butts. The door falls 
inicard and across it step Lieutenant Colonel 
Morrison, a handsome young officer, with sabre 
drawn, followed by four men with carbines ready 
for fire. They come with a rush but pause in utter 
astonishment at seeing Virgie seated at the table. 
After a pause) I — I don't think you're very polite. 

Morrison. I'm afraid I can't help it, my dear-.- 
(Looking about room, then turning to men, indicat- 
ing room at r.) He's in there, I guess. Don't fire 
if you can help it — on account of the baby. Ready, 
boys — Advance! (Morrison leads the zvay — the 
four men following and enter room at r. Virgie 
turns her head slozvly. looking after them) 

Virgie. (Calling) Hey there, that's my room, 
and don't you-all bother any of my things, either ! 

(After a moment the five return, the men grounding 
their carbines and standing at attention. Mor- 
rison advances.) 

Morrison. (r.) What's your name, little 
monkey ? 

Virgie. I don't like to be called monkey it — it 

isn't respectful. 

Morrison. (Laughing) Oho, I see! (With 
mock bozi') A thousand pardons, mademoiselle. 
(Replacing sabre in scabbard) And might I inquire 
what you are called by your — justly respectful 
relatives and friends? 

Vikcie. Virgie. 

Mokuison, And a very pretty name, too. Virgie 
what ? 

Virgie. My whole name is Miss Virginia 
Houston Cary. 

Morrison. Cary! (Pause. He glances at men, 
then back to her) Is Herbert Cary your father? 

Virgie. Mister Herbert Cary is — yes, sir. 



46 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Morrison. (Smiling) I stand corrected. Where 
is he? 

ViRGiE. (Hesitating slightly) I — I don't know. 

Morrison. (With touch of sterness) Is he 
here? 

ViRGiE. No, sir. He — he was — but he's gone 
away. 

Morrison. Which way did he go? 

ViRGiE. (Pointing zvith spoon) Down by the 
spring — through the blackberry patch. Yes, sir, he's 
gone. 

Morrison. (Thinking a moment, then turning to 
her suddenly) If your father had gone, then why 
did you lock that door ? 

ViRGiE. 'Cause I thought you might be — niggers. 

Morrison. (Gently — reflectively) Yes— -I see. 
(Looking up) Still — (Letting his eyes rove about 
room, then turning quickly) What do you keep in 
that cupboard ? 

ViRGiE. We used to keep things to eat — when we 
had any. 

Morrison. What's in it now ? 

ViRGiE. Tin pans. 

Morrison. Anything else? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. (As he glances at her, she 
nods her head seriously) Colonel Mosby — an' you 
better look out, too. 

Morrison. (Smiling as he turns to men) Bright 
little youngster. We'll have a look anyway. Stand 
ready — (Thev face cupboard with guns held ready. 
Morrison drazvs his pistol and advances to cup- 
board) Now then! (He opens cupboard, quickly 
stepping aside. It is empty, but has a colored print 
of Mosby pinned inside. The men register. Virgie 
tilts Jicr head and laughs) 

Virgie. My, but you looked funny. If a mouse 
had jumped out, I reckon it would have scared you 
mos' to death. (She laughs again. Morrison looks 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 47 

vncomfortable. The men hide their smiles behind 
their Junids) 

MoRPvisoN. (Crossing dozvn l.) That will do 
men ! Corporal, deploy your men and make a 
thorough search Examine the ground around the 
spring and report. 

Corporal. 'Tention ! Right face ! Forward — 
march ! 

{The men march through door at rear. Morrison 
t\irns smilingly to Virgie.) 

I^.loRRisoN. (Crosses r. c.) Now, Virgie, do you 
mean to tell me — cross your heart — that you are 
h^re — just by yourself? 

Virgie. No, sir — (As he glances at her quickly, 
she points to doll) Me — an' Susan Jemima. 

Morrison. (Laughing) That's ^ fact. Hanged 
if I'm not losing all my social polish. (Bowing and 
slicking the doll's hand) Charmed to make your 
accuaintance, IMiss Susan — believe m?. My name is 
Morrison — Lieutenant Colonel Morrison — at youi 
service and your mother's — (To Virgie zvi'th a 
smile) And now — since we are all formally intro- 
duced, v/e'll have a nice, quiet little chat. (She 
makes no anszcer. Pause) Well, aren't you going 
to ask me to have some breakfast? 

Virgie. (Doubtfully) Er — no, sir. 

Morrison. Why not? 

Virgie. (Nervously) Cause — cause you're one 
of the damn Yankees f 

^Morrison. Oh, oh, oh. oh ! Little girls shouldn't 
use such language. Why, Virgie ! 

Virgie. (Looking up at him seriously) Well, 
it's your name, isn't it? Everybody calls you that. 

Morrison. (Smiling) Yes, I suppose they do — 
south of Washington. But don't you know, we are 
just like other people? (As she sJiakes her head) 



48 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Yes, we are. \^^^y, / have a little girl at lionie — not 
any bigger than you. 

ViRGiE. Have you? What's her name? 

Morrison. {Tenderly) Gertrude. Gertrude 
Morrison. Would you like to see her picture? 
{Begins to tinbntton his coat) 

ViRGiE. Yes. You can sit down if you choose. 
{Puts Susan Jemima on the table) 

Morrison. Thank you. {Takes seat, pulls cut 
locket which is on chain around his neck, while 
Virgie kneels in chair, leans across table, look- 
ing eagerly) Here she is — my little Gertrude. 

Virgie. Oh, she's mighty pretty. An' she's fat, 
too. I reckon Gertrude has lots to eat, hasn't she? 

Morrison. W^hy, yes — of course. Don't you? 

Virgie. Sometimes — when Daddy gets through 
the lines and brings it to me. 

Morrison. {Starting) What! Is that why he 
comes ? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. 

Morrison. Good God ! {Rising, turning away, 
then back to her) And at other times — ^what do you 
eat? 

Virgie. Blackberries — an' coffee made out of 
acorns. {Confidentially) My cousin Norris told 
me that the Yankees have coffee every day ; an' 
tea — an' milk — an' everything. An' butter! 

Morrison. Don't Virgie — please — there are some 
things we can't bear to hear — even in war. {Takes 
seat, speaking gently) Have you lived here — 
always ? 

Virgie. Oh, no. This is the overseer's house. 
Our house used to be up on the hill in the grove. 

Morrison. Used to be ? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. The Yankees burnt it up. 

Morrison. The devil they did ! {Bus.) Excuse 
me. {Gently) Tell me all about it, won't 3'ou? 
{He sits. Virgie stands near him but gradually 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 49 

co}ncs closer as the scene progresses, fnally stand- 
inci at his side, fingering a button on liis coat) 

YiKGiE. Oh, it was a long time ago — a month 
maybe — and they came after our horses. IMamma 
an' me were all by ourselves — 'ccptin' Unci Billy 
and Sally Ann. An' we were scared — an' we hid in 
the ice-house 

Morrison. (Resting elbow on table, covering 
his eyes with his hands) Yes, dear — go on. 

ViRGiE. An' the blue boys ate up everything we 
had — an' — an' they took our corn — an' when they 
went away from our house, a man set ic on lire. 
(.^]s Morrison strikes table zvith fst) But another 
man got real mad with him — an' shot him. / know 
'cause Uncle Billy put him in the grouiid. {Look- 
ing uf> at hint, her eyes widening in awe) An' I 
saw him ! 

Morrison. (Slipping his arm about her) Don't 
think about it, Virgie. Well, what happened then? 

ViRGiE. We came to live here ; but Mamma got 
sick — oh, she got terrible side — an' one night daddy 
came through an' put her in the ground, too. But 
lie says she's just asleep. (Pause. Morrison drain's 
her closer to him. his arms about her tenderly) An' 
last Friday Sally Ann went away — I don't know 
where, an' 

Morrison. What ! And left you here — all by 
yourself? 

Virgie. Yes, sir, but I don't care. Sally Ann 
was a triflin' nigger anyhow. 

Morrison. Wait a minute. W^hat became of the 
old colored man who 

Virgie. Unc' Billy? Yes, sir. We sent him up 
to Richmond — to get some things — but he can't 
come back — the Yankees won't let him. 

Morrison. Won't they? 

Virgie. No, sir. An' daddy's been tryin' to get 
me up to Richmond — where my Aunt Margaret 



50 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

lives, but he can't, 'cause the Yankees are up the 
river an' down the river an' — an' everywhere — an' 
he can't! (Pause) My, but you've got fine clo'se. 
Daddy's clo'se are all rags — with — holes in 'em. 
(As Morrison rises, turning to hide his emotion) 
What did you come after daddy for? 

Morrison. (Turning, shozving his pain as he 
speaks) Not because I wanted to, child. But you 
wouldn't understand. It's war. One of the hateful, 
pitiful things of war. I came because I had my 
orders. 

ViRGiE. (Rises) From your General? 

Morrison. (Looking at Jier in surprise) Yes — 
my General. 

ViRGiE. An' do you love him like — like / love 
General Lee? 

Morrison. Yes, dear — of course. 

ViRGiE. Oh! (Looks thoughtfully at floor, then 
up at him) An' didn't you know if you hurt daddy, 
I'd tell Uncle Fitz Lee on you? 

Morrison. No. Is he your uncle? 

ViRGiE. He's everybody's uncle. If you hurt my 
daddy, he'd come right after you — an' lick the 
stuffins out of you. 

Morrison. (Laughing) Well, to tell you the 
honest truth, your Uncle Fitz Lee has done it al- 
ready — several times. 

ViRGiE. (Clapping her hands in glee) Has he? 
Has he ? Has he ? 

Morrison. He has. But to come back to the 
subject of 3^ou and me. (Noise up loft)Why — (He 
pauses, listening intently) What was that? 

ViRGiE. / didn't hear anything. (Morrison 
looks up at ceiling, starting as he sees the scuttle. 
Walks under it and looks up — Virgie breathes fast) 
You— you don't think he can fly, do you ? 

Morrison. No, little rebel, but there are other 
ways. (Crossing, looking at table and comparing its 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 51 

height tc/V/z tJic scuttle in ceiling, then turning 
quickly) Is there anyone up in that loft? (No 
ans7irr — she backs mcay from him) Tell me the 
truth — look at me! (No ansrvcr — he advances, 
speaking more sternly) Do you hear, girl! Look 
at me! (She raises her eyes to his siozcly, then lets 
them fall, turning her head atcay. He speaks in 
slo:(.>, sad reproach) And so you told me a story — 
and all the rest — is a story, too. Oh, Virgie — Virgie ! 

ViRGiE. (Beginning to cry) I didn't. I didn't 
tell you stories — only one Utile one — an' it was for 
daddy — an' General Lee. (She sobs, sinking down 
by bench) 

Morrison. \\'ell, I'm sorry, my dear — (Sigh- 
ing) I'm sorry. (He sxveeps plate of berries 
and the doll from table and starts to pusJi table 
across toward scuttle) 

Virgie. (In tears and terror) What are you 
goin' to do? Oh, what are you goin' to do? (No 
anszvcr but he starts to place chair on top of table) 
You shan't ! You shan't ! He's niv daddy — an' you 
shan't. Oh, daddy— daddy ! (Sobs) 

I^IoRRisoN. (Turning aivay, shozving his suffer- 
ing) Oh, I can't — I can't. There must be some 
other v/ay — and yet — (He pauses in thought, look- 
ing off rear, while the distant boom of cannon may 
be heard, seeming to call him to duty. He turns to 
Virgie) Well, Virgie, the only thing I can do then 
— is to take you — and give you to the Yankees. 
(He advances szviftly and catches her zvrist. Virgie 
screams in terror, trying to drazv azvay. Her 
father's head and shoulders appear in scuttle, his 
h.and extended, holding his pistol) 

Gary. (Fiercely) Drop it, you hound! Drop 
it! 

MoRRTSON. (Looking up zvith a smile) Ah, I 
thought that would bring you out. (Virgie crouches 
on floor) And you needn't trouble about your gun. 



52 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

If you had any ammunition you would have returned 
our fire back yonder in the woods. (Pause) The 
game's up, Gary. Come down. 

(Cary hesitates, then after a moment disappears. 
The ladder is let down and Cary slowly 
descends. Virgie runs to him.) 

ViRGiE. (Weeping) Oh, daddy, daddy, it was 
my fault. I didn't do it right. I didn't do it right ! 

Cary. (Taking her face in his hands, looking 
dozvn tenderly) Yes you did, honey; you did 
splendidly — (Kissing her) Splendidly. (Turning 
to Morrison, with his arm about Virgie) You've 
had a long chase, Colonel ; but you've gotten my 
brush at last. 

Morrison. (Earnestly) Mr. Cary — you're a 
brave man — and one of the best scouts in the rebel 
army — I'm sorry for this — more than I can say. 
(As Cary looks at him and makes no answer) Are 
you carrying any dispatches? 

Cary. No. 

Morrison. Any other papers — of any kind? 
(As Cary looks at him and makes no answer) It is 
quite useless to refuse — give them to me. 

Cary. (Looking him in the eye, speaking quietly) 
You can take it — afterwards. 

Virgie. You can't have it. It's mine. 

Morrison. Yours? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. My pass to Richmon'. From 
General Lee. 

Morrison. (Hesitating, looking from one to the 
other. Speaks to Gary) Is this true? (Holds out 
hand for paper. Gary frowns, hesitates, then takes 
paper from his boot leg and hands it to Morrison. 
Morrison rnoves a step away, unfolds and reads it. 
To himself) Miss Virginia Gary, and escort. 
(Crushes paper in his hand which sinks slozuly to his 
side, zvhile he looks before him in thonjhl. H3 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 53 

turns to Cary) Who was to be her escort? You? 
(Cary folds ViRGiE i)i his arms, bozving his head. 
Morrison sf'caks softly) I'm sorry — very sorry. 
(He turns azvay, his hand on his szcord hilt) 

Cary. {To Virgie) Go in the other room, 
honey. I'll call you in a minute. (Virgie looks up 
at him in doubt, takes a step toicard Mo;>iK[SON, 
pauses, then turns and goes quietly into room r., 
closing door after her. Cary steps tonvard c, 
staggers slightly. "Morrison steps forzvard to assist 
him, but Cary waves him off) Thank you — I don't 
want help — from you. (Steadies hiv.isclf on cJiair 
back, and sinks into seat) 

Morrison. (Standing a moment and looking 
dozen at him) \\Miy? 

Cary. Because I don't ask quarter — (Bitterly) 
nor aid from a man — who fri^i^h^ens babies. 

Morrison. (Gently) And I wouldn't hurt a hair 
of her splendid little head. (Pause) 'Twas the 
only thinj^ to do, Cary. Otherwise my men might 
have had to shoot you — before her eyes. (Turns 
azvay, then back again) It isn't ensy for m.e to track 
a fellow creature down — to take him, when he's 
wotmded — practically unarmed — and turn him over 
to the firing squad. (Setting his lips) But it's 
war, my friend — one of the merciless realities of 
Vvar — and you ought to know the meaning of the 
word. 

Cary. (Bitterly) Yes, I know. It has taken 
four years to teach me — but I know ! Look at me ! 
Look at my country — sw-ept as bare as a stubble 
field. You've whipped us, maybe — with your 
n::I!-ons of money and your endless men — and now 
you are warring with the children and women. 
(IVitJi bitter sarcasm) A glorious victory, Colonel 
— and may you get your reward — in hell! 

Morrison. (Quietly) There are two sides to 
the question, Cary — but there must be one flag! 



54 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Cary. (Sharply) Then fly your flag in justice! 
A while ago you called me a brave man and a good 
scout ; because I'm both, your people have set a 
price on me ! Five hundred dollars — alive or dead ! 
A gentleman and a scout — for just half the price 
of one good, sound nigger ! By God, it makes me 
proud. 

Morrison. (Sternly) You are more than a 
scout, Cary. You've carried dispatches — intercepted 
ours, for all of which, if taken, you v/ould have been 
a prisoner of war — no more ! But you've entered 
our lines, not in a uniform of gray, but blue, and 
you've cost us two im.portant battles. 

Cary. And had you done the same it would have 
meant promotion. (Pause) I don't care for my- 
self — it's all in the game — and I only wanted to get 
my little girl to Richmond. (Rising from his chair) 
But you've run me to earth — and you've blocked her 
chance. It's Virgie you're fighting now, not me ! 
(Turns) Yes, just as though you rode her down 
with a troop of horses ! (As Morrison turns on 
him in impatience) A fine thing, Colonel ! For you 
a brevet — for me, the firing squad ! Well, call in 
your men and get it over ! (In smiling bitterness) 
It adds to the glory of your conquering sv\^ord — and 
besides you'll receive five hundred dollars in re- 
ward ! 

Morrison. (Fiercely) Stop it, man! For God's 
sake, stop it I It's duty — not a miserable reward ! 
Do you suppose I'm proud of this? Do you think 
I'm wringing blood out of your heart and mine — 
for money f Damn you for thinking it! (Holds 
position, eye to eye) 

Cary. (Softening) Well, I'm glad you feel that 
way — and alter all — you're doing what you think is 
right, and I know it's hard. (Crosses r., pause) I 
— ask you just one thing — not for myself — but her, 
for Virgie. (Pause — he takes a step nearer) Get 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 55 

the poor little t:iJ throir^h your lines and don't let 
her know about mc? Will you? 

iMOKRlSON. I will ! 

Cary. Thank you, Morrison. If it wasn't war 
times — {He stops, sighs heavily, turns end calls) 
X'irgie ! Virgie ! 

ViKGiK. {O/yening door and advancing) You 
talked a mighty long time, daddy. It was a heap 
more than just a minute. 

Carv. {With forced cheerfulness) D'd we? 
Well, we had lots to say. {Seating himself and tak- 
ing her Jia}ids) Now listen, honey; I'm going away 
with this gentleman — {As she looks tip quickly) 
Oh, but he invited me. And thinlc ! He's coming 
back for you to-day — and send you up to Richmond. 
Isn't that fine? 

Virgie. {Turning slowly, looking at Morrison, 
then back again) Daddy — he's a right good Yankee 
— isn't he? 

Cary. {Smiling sadly) Yes, honey, he's mighty 
good. {Folding Virgie in Jiis arms, kissing her. 
Business) 

Morrison. Cary ! 

Cary. {Rising and hacking azvay from Virgie) 
Good-bye, darling — good-bye ! 

Virgie. {/Is Cary turns) Good-bye, Daddy! 
I'll see you up in Richmond! 

(The eyes of the tzvo men meet. Troopers are heard 
returning off-stage.) 

]\Iorrison. (Sighing, taking step tozvard her, 
pausing and turning) Wait! I'd rather my men 
shouldn't know I've talked with you. (Pointing to 
scuttle in ceiling) You'd better go back. 

Cary. Is that necessary ? 

Morrison. It's best. 



5-5 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

(Caky niakcs iiiiliiary salute, crosses and climbs 
ladder. He pauses, looks dozvn at Virgie, then 
disappecrs iJiroiigh scuttle, draiving up ladder 
and closing trap. Morrison goes to table, takes 
out a pencil and writes on Virgie's pass in 
silence.) 

Virgie. Mr. Yankee. You are goin' to let daddy 
come up to Richmon', too — aren't you ? 

(Morrison bites his lip and turns away without 
answer. T!ie four soldiers enter from rear.) 

Morrison. Well, Corporal? 

Corporal. (Saluting) Nothing, sir. No tracks 
around lie spring. No traces of the fellow, any- 
where. (Noticing changed position of table) But 
I'm glad to see that you've had better luck yourself. 

Morrison. Yes, I think I've found out where he 
is. (Points to ceiling) Push that table under the 
trap. (Turning to one of the men) Light that 
candle, Corporal. (Pushing chair to side of table) 
You men get up. (As the other three men mount 
the table Morrison mounts it also. Virgie stands 
looking on in childish wonder) Now then — give me 
a boost. ( The men hold him up so that he can push 
the trap aside) Pass up that candle. Corporal. 
(The candle is passed up. He holds it through the 
trap, his head being out of view. His head re- 
appears) All right, let me down. (As the men 
loiver him, he jumps from the table and turns) 
The baby's right, boys. He isn't there! 

Virgie. O-h! (Puts hand over her mouth) 

Corporal. (Sharply) Colonel! 

(The men look at Morrison in astonishment, seem- 
ing to see through his trick. He speaks 
sharply.) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 57 

AIoRRisoN. Down with you! (As the men 
jump to the fioor and take up carbines) 'Tenlion — 
Right about face! March! [They pass out at rear. 
Morrison turns to Virgie Iwldiitg out paper) 
Here's your pass to Richmond, Virgie. For you and 
escort — through the Federal lines. 

Virgie. You mean for daddy, too? 

Morrison. Yes, you httlc Rebel, but it's going 
to cost you — a kiss. (He is standing near bench. 
Virgie runs forzeard, he lifts her on bench and she 
throti's her anus about his neck, kisses him) 

\'iRGiE. W'ait ! Here's another — for Gertrude. 
(Kisses him) Tell her it's from Virgie — -'cause 
you're the nicest damn Yankee that ever was. 
(Morrison laughs and sets her dozvn, as Cary ap- 
pears in trap overhead. Calling excitedly) Daddy, 
look ! Look what the Yankee gave me ! For me ! 
For you ! Look, daddy ! Look ! 

(Gary has reached Jicr side, takes paper and looks 
at it, crushing it in his hand as he tries to 
speak.) 

Gary. Morrison ! 

Morrison. (Placing a hand on his shoulder) 
Some day — it will all be over. (As Gary looks up) 
I only ask that you take your little girl to Richmond 
— no more. 

Gary. You mean — ? 

Morrison. That in passing through our lines, 
whatever you see or hear — forget! 

(Gary turns to him. The hands of the tzvo men go 
out and meet across the fallen door, Virgie 
standing between them.) 

(NOTE : Just as the hands of Morrison and Gary 



58 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

meet, the sunlight is shot through the hole in 
the zvall, falling on them, zvJiile the orchestra 
changes from the plaintive air it has been play- 
ing to the " Star Spangled Banner.") 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 

Scene : On the road to Richmond. Late after- 
noon of the same day. 

Scene represents a glade on the roadside. At 
E., near front, is a pile of irregnlar rock, helping 
to form the wing. It overhangs slightly, and 
has a spring among the loose stones. At l. is 
rising ground, forming a sort of mound. At 
rear, running across stage, is an old stone zvall. 
shoTving the dip of the road beyond it. On zvall 
are vines, zvith a fezu small trees at irregular 
intervals. Back drop presents a stretch of skv, 
the ground on zvhich zvall stands being too high 
to shozv the fields beyond it. 

Wood zjuings at l and r. Entrances i, 2 and 
3 at both L. and r. See diagram attached. 

DISCOVERED : Cary, appearing on road at l. 
carrying Virgie in Jiis arms. He sets her dozvn 
on top of zvall, zvhere she stands on one foot, 
zjvhile he climbs over and takes her in his arms 
again. She still carries her doll. 

C.aRy. (Coming dozvn the hill tozvard r. front) 
It's ail right, honey. There's a spring down here 
somewhere; and we can look after that poor little 
foot. Ah ! Here it is ! {Putting her dozvn on rock, 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 59 

and seating himself near her) Just sit still a minute 
— till I rest — and we'll have a look. {He leans back 
against rock icall and closes his eyes) 

ViRciE. (Reaching out to hint) Are you so 
tired, daddy-man? 

Cary. Yes. dear; just a little. I've got to catch 
my breath. But /';;/ all right. (Pause) Now then I 
We'll call in the hospital corps. (As he rises Virgie 
crosses her knees, holding her foot in her hand and 
rocking forivard and backzvard. Cary turns to her) 
Does it hurt you — much? 

Virgie. Yes. sir. It — it hurts like the mischief ! 

Cary. (Patting her head) Ah, that's too bad. 
But after we bathe it and tie it up, it will feel better. 
Lots. (Takes off hat, kneels ct spring and dips up 
zca'er) 

Virgie. (Slapping her leg) Wow ! 

Cary. What is it, darling? 

\''iRGiE. There are 'skeeters roun' this place. 
One of 'em bit me — a old he one. Jimmany! 

Cary. (Advancing iviili zvater-flled hat, smiling) 
Did h?? \\'ell, there are m'.ich wo^se things in the 
world than those little fellows I Much ! (Placing 
hat on ground and kneeling beside her) Now let's 
see. \\'e'll have to get the grim.e off first. Just dip 
the little wounded soldier in. 

\'iRiE. What? My foot in your hatf Daddy! 

Cary. (Laughing) It's all right, honey. That 
old b.at's a z'cteran. He don't mind anything. Souse 
her in ! (As she puts foot in) There — easy now — 
easy. The big toe first. (As \^irgie makes a face. 
Bathing foot) Yes. I knov/ it's cold; but it will do 
it good. (Pause) Feel better? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. 

Cary. Good. What did I tell you? Now let 
Daddy look. (Lifting her foot and examining it) 
My, my, my ! You've cut it — right under the second 



I 



6o THE LITTLEST REBEL 

little piggie. We'll have to tie it up and keep the 
dirt out. (Opens coat and begins tearing a strip 
from his shirt for a bandage) By morning you'll 
hardly feel it. 

ViRGiE. Wait ! Don't do that. Here ! You can 
take a piece of my petticoat. 

Cary, (Laughing) That pettitoat? It wouldn't 
make a bandage for Susan Jemima. Now ! Up 
v/ith your hoofie ! (Begins to bandage foot, while 
ViRGiE holds doll in her arms) 

ViRGiE. (After thoughtful pause) Daddy 

Cary. Yes ? 

ViRGiE. Do you reckon, by the time the war is 
over, we could call Susan Jemima a vet'ran ? 

Cary. I should say we could! Hasn't she grown 
bald in the service? We'll give her an honorable 
discharge — and decorate her. How's that? 

ViRGiE. Oh, fine! (To doll) Do you hear, 
Cap'n Susan? When we get to Richmon', I'm goin' 
to make you a uniform. (Turning to Cary) How 
far is it to Richmon' now ? 

Cary. Just about twelve miles. 

ViRGiE. Can we get to it to-night? 

Cary. No, dear, not to-night. We've come a 
long way, and we are both tired. When it gets dark 
we'll curl up somewhere in the woods and take a 
snooze. And then, in the morning, we'll get up with 
the birds and the squirrels — and move along. And 
by twelve o'clock, we'll be in Richmond. (Finishing 
the bandage and rising) There you are ! And now 
we'll have a belt supper, 

ViRGiE. A belt supper? 

Cary. Um-hum. This is the way it's done. 
(Taking an old tin can from beside spring and 
dipping zvater) You take a big drink of nice cold 
water; then draw up your belt — and say your 
prayers. (Smiles down at her) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 6i 

ViRGiE. Ah. shucks, daddy ! I know a better way 
than that ; Susan an' me used to do it all the time. 

Carv. All right. How was it ? 

ViRGiE. \\q — we jus' made believe. Sit down 
an' I'll show you how. (As lie takes scat opposite, 
setting can between them) This rock is our table. 
The moss is the table cloth. (As he looks dozvn in 
doubt) It isn't green. It's white. {Assuming the 
airs of hostess) I'm so glad you dropped in, sir — 
an' jus' at supper time. Pass your plate an' allow 
me to help you to some batter bread. 

Gary. {Going tJirough motions) Batter-bread! 
Ah ! Just what I was hoping for. Thank you. 
{Pretending to cat) Delicious! The very best I've 
tasted for a year. Did you make it yourself? 

ViRGiE. Oh, no ! The cook ! 

Gary. Ah! Of course! Pray pardon me, I 
might have known. 

ViRGiE. Don't think of it. Take plenty of butter. 
Batter-bread isn't good without it. 

Gary. Thank you. {Looks down in pretended 
amazement) Gracious! Do I see a sausage? 

ViRGiE. Yes, sir. And there's the ham. Please 
help yourslf. {As he docs so) Goffce? How 
many lumps? 

Gary. Five, please — and a little cream. There — 
just right. 

ViRGiE. {Pretending to pass cup) I'm afraid 
you won't find it very hot. That servant of mine 
is growing absolutely worthless. 

Gary. {Smiling) Then perhaps we have some- 
thing better. {Taking up can of water) Permit 
me, Jiliss Gary, to offer you a glass of fine old — 
blackb.erry wine. It has been in my cellar since '38. 
{As ViRGiE leans back from him) Well? 

Virg:e. (Pathetically) Oh, daddy, don't let's 
call it blac'r.hcrry wine. 

Gary. (Tenderly) Ah, forgive me, darling. I 



62 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

didn't think. (Kissing her) There now — it's all 
right. It's all right! (Looking behind him, speaking 
severely) You, Jo ! How dare you bring such stuff 
to my table? Go get the port ! (To Virgie) We'll 
have to discharge that butler. Now then. (Gal- 
lantly) Will you honor me, fair lady, by joining the 
humblest of your admirers — in a sip of port? 

ViRGiE. With pleasure. (Lifting can of water) 
Your health, sir. May your shadow never grow 
littler! (Drinks water. Off-stage at r. there are 
sounds of talking and laughter, as though a small 
party of men zvcre coming along the road) 

Gary. ( With a finger on lip, as Virgie starts to 
speak) S-h-h-h! 

Virgie. Who are they, daddy? 

Gary. (In cautious undertone) I don't know. 
Keep quiet till they pass. 

(On road, entering from r., appear Gorporal 
Dudley and four troopers.) 

Gorporal. Here's the place, boys ; we can get 
some decent water. That James River water's too 
yellow for any white man to put inside of him. 

Gary. (From behind screen of rock, rising 
cautiously) Gome along, Virgie. We'll get out of 
the way. 

Virgie. But, daddy ! We've got our pass. 

Gary. Yes, yes, I know. But that's for emer- 
gency. Gome along — quick ! (He reaches out his 
hand and they creep around rocks at r. as Gorporal 
mounts the zvall) 

Gorporal. You, Gollins ! Take sentry duty. As 
soon as we make the coffee, we'll bring you up a cup. 
Over with you, men! (While one man remains in 
road, pacing up and dozvn, the others come over wall 
and advance toward spring) There's the spring. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 63 

Smith — under the rocks. I'^ill up the canteens. 
Here, Harry; help me to get the tire wood. {One 
man goes to spring; the second begins to collect 
li'ood, icJiile a third opens k}iapsack and begins tak- 
ing out food. The Corporal takes up a dead brancJi 
of a tree, draws his sabre and begins to lop off the 
S}}ian branches) I hke this better than the camp. 
A man and his friends can have a quiet drink, with- 
out treating a whole damn batallion. {Looking at 
ground near rocks) Hell-o ! {As the vien lock tip, 
A't' lauglis) Say, boys — look at this! {He jabs h.is 
scbre point into Virgie's doll and holds it up. The 
others laugh) 

ViRGiE. (Off-stage) Here, you! You stop 
that I {As the men turn sharply, tJieir hands on their 
ijeapons, Virgie enters, angrily) Hou dare you! 

Corporal. (In astonishment) Well, hang mc 
for a thief if it isn't the little girl we saw this morn- 
ing. Where did you drop from? 

\^IRGIE. Ne'm min' where I dropped from. 
You're the meanest old thing I ever saw. Give me 
hack my baby! 

(As Cary steps out from r. the men turn and coxier 
him. As the Corporal lozvers his sabre Virgie 
sei::es her doll, holding it in her arms and ex- 
amining it tenderly.) 

Corporal. Heh! A Johnnie Reb! (To man 
who holds carbine) That's right, Harry, keep him 
covered. (To Cary) Well? Who are yoii? 

Cary. A Confederate officer — acting as escort for 
this child. We are on our way to Richmond. 
(Handing paper) Here is my authority for enter- 
ing your lines — a pass from Lieutenant Colonel 
Morrison. 

(Corporal starts, looks at Cary fixedly, takes 
paper and turns aivay.) 



64 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Harry. (JVlio has an Irish accent) What does 
it say, Corporal ? 

Corporal. (Reading) Pass Virginia Cary and 
escort through all Federal lines, and assist them as 
far as possible in reaching Richmond. (As he turns 
paper over) Morrison on one side — and " Old 
Bob " on the other. (Striking paper with fist) By 
God, this is a find! 

Harry. A find? How so? 

Corporal. (Leading him slightly apart) Why, 
don't you see, man? That was the fellow hiding in 
the loft this morning. Morrison let him go and gave 
him this! (As Harry registers) It's my proof! 

Cary. (Stepping forward) Well? Isn't the 
pass satisfactory? 

Corporal. Perfectly. (As Cary holds out hand) 
Oh, no you don't ! I have a better use for it. 
(Tucks it ill his coat) 

Cary. What do you mean? 

Corporal. That you are my prisoner ! 

Cary. For what? 

Corporal. As a Rebel spy! (As Cary doubles 
fists) And none of that — if you know what's good 
for you. If Colonel Morrison wouldn't take you, 
/ zvill! (Turning sharply) Here, boys, we'll have 
to cut the supper and go to camp. Bring that man 
along! (Starts up hill to rear) 

Harry. Corporal ! Just a minute. (Leads him 
aside ) 

ViRGiE. (While the men are crossing) Daddy — ■ 
what are they going to do ? 

Cary. (His arm about her, while he pats her 
head) S-h-h-h. It'll be all right, honey. It'll be 
all right. (Closes his eyes, indicating his despair) 

Harry. (To Corporal, who is at c.) Ye'd 
better be careful now. If the pass is all right ye'll 
get yourself in trouble. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 65 

Corporal. (Harshly) It isn't nie that'll get in 
trouble. It's someone else. 

Hakry. Who ? 

Corporal. Morrison ! 

Harry. The Colonel ? Why ? 

Corporal. Well, you know why! He killed my 
brother, damn him ! Shot him — like a dog ! But now 
I'm even! (Indicating pass) I've been zvaiting for 
a chance like this — and I'm going to make him 
sweat ! Sweat blood ! 

Harry. Don't be a fool, Corporal! What'll ye 
be after doin' ? 

Corporal. Report him at headquarters — for 
lielping a spy's escape. If I have the man and tJiis 
(Indicating pass) it'll mean his sword and shoulder 
straps — if not a bullet. Come on. 

Harry. (Catching his arm) Hold on! Hold 
on ! 

Corporal. (Jerking azuay) I'm running this. 

Harry. Yis, I know — but wait! (Pointing to 
right rear) The Colonel's out yonder reconnoiterin'. 
If he happened to overtake ye on the road 

Corporal. Hell ! — that's so ! (Looking off rig Jit, 
tJicn hack to Harry) Then you stay here to guard 
the prisoner. I'll cut through the woods, make my 
report and come back with the horses — and 
authority. (Turning) Here, Smith! You and 
Judson come with me. Never mind the grub. We'll 
get that later. (Starting up hill and turning to 
Harry) If you hear anyone coming, take those two 
into the woods. (Mounting wall) Collins, you'll 
have to stay on sentry duty till I get back. If any 
troops pass here, get out of sight and give Harry a 
call. (Jumping into road and addressing the two 
men) Now, boys, we'll take it at a dog trot ! 

(They run out along road at l. Harry shoulders his 



e^ THE LITTLEST REBEL 

carbine and zvaiks to and fro, while Collins 
does tJie same in road.) 

ViRGiE. Daddy — are they goin' to— to take us to 
the Yankee camp? 

Cary. (Sitting on rock) I'm afraid so, darking, 
but I don't know. We'll have to wait. (Sadly) 
Wait. (As Harry turns his back for an instant in 
his pacing, Cary takes up a stone front tlie ground, 
hiding it under his leg) 

ViRGiE. (IVJio does not see Cary's action) But, 
daddy — whil-2 we are waitin' do you reckon — (Eye- 
ing the knapsack and provisions) — do you reckon 
we could take jus' a little bit — of that ? 

Cary. (Restraining her gently) No, dear — not 
now. No. 

Virgie. Well ! The — the Yankees took our corn ! 

Harry. (Noticing her eager look at provisions) 
Have somethin' to eat, little v\ an. Go ahead. Take 
all ye want. 

Cary. (Dropping stone, rising and looking at 
Harry a rnoment before he speaks) Thank you, old 
fellow. I've no way — now — of showing my — - 
gratitude; but — but God bless you — just the same. 
(Sits on rock, his face in his hands) 

Harry. Oh, that's all right, sir. I'd like to see 
ye get through; but I ain't the gineral. (Smiling) 
At least, not yet. (Pushing knapsack tozvard Virgie 
with carbine barrel) There ye are, little girl. Jist 
help ye'reself — an' give ye dad some, too. 

Virgie. (Kneeling at knapsack) I'm much 
obliged, Mr. Yankee. We cert'ny do need it — bad. 
(Looking up) What's your name, please? 

Harry. It's Harry O'Connell. Yis, miss. 

Virgie. Thank you. I'm very glad to meet you. 
(Taking biscuits and running to Gary eagerly) 
Here, daddy — take some. They are real. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 67 

Cary. Thank you darling. Thank you. (Takes 
biscuit, looks up, smiles and zvavcs his hand to 
Harry. Harry salutes and continues pacing. As 
ViRGiE lifts the biscuit to her mouth, she pauses, 
listening) 

Collins. (In road) Look out, O'ConncU ! 
They are coming! (Climbs wall and crouches be- 
hind it) 

Harry. What is it? 

Collins. A small detachment. 

Harry. Whose is it? Can ye see? 

Collins. (Looking off right, zvhile sounds of 
hoofs are heard) Morrison's. (Dodges behind zvall 
ivliUc sounds groiv nearer, Virgie starts up, but 
Cary restrains her) 

Harry. (Turning and advancing) I'm sorry, 
sir, but I'll have to trouble ye to go into the woods. 
(Rising) No argymint, sor. I'm under orders! 

Cary. Yes, yes, I know; but I want to speak to 
Colonel Morrison. I must! If you'll only 

Harry. (Pushing him, zuith carbine in both 
hands) Come now! Come now! It won't do. 
Don't make me use force, sor. Ye'll have to go ! 

Cary. (Turning azvay zvith a sigh) Come, Virgie, 
come. 

(They start out at r., as Morrison and a detach- 
ment of about tzvelve mounted men enter at r. 
on road, chatting as they come. Virgie sud- 
denly darts past Harry, running tozvard c.) 

Harry. Here, you! Come back! (Runs after 
her and catches her arm) 

ViuciE. {Calling shrilly) Colonel Morrison! 
Colonel Morrison! 

(Harry releases her.) 



68 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Morrison. {To men) Halt! {Turning in 
saddle) Hello there! Who is it? 

ViRGiE. It's me ! Virgie ! 

Morrison. Well, what on earth — ! {Turning) 
Here, men ! Wait for me ! {Steps from saddle to 
wall, jumps dozvn and advances) Now, bless my 
soul if it — Why — {Spreads his arms to take her in, 
sees Harry, stops and straightens up) O'Connell! 
{Sternly) What's the meaning of this? 

Virgie. It isn't Jiis fault. He's under orders. 

Morrison. {To Harry) Whose? 

Harry. Corporal Dudley, sor. 

(Morrison starts slightly, turning to Cary for con- 
firmation.) 

Gary. I presented your pass. He refused to 
honor it. Left me under guard and went to camp. 

]\IoRRisoN. {To Harry, sharply) Which way? 

Harry. Through the woods, sor — makin' for 
headquarters. 

IxIoRRisoN. How long ago ? 

Harry. Five minutes, sor. 

]^-IoRRisoN. Ah! {Turning sharply to men in 
road) Lieutenant Harris ! 

Harris. Yes, sir. 

Morrison. Take a squad of men and ride to 
camp — by the wood road. Overtake Corporal 
Dudley, or intercept him at headquarters. Don't 
fail ! Get him ! Bring him in — here 1 

Harris. Yes, sir. {Turning in saddle) Jen- 
nings ! Hewlett ! Brown ! Hammond ! Burt ! 
{Each man salutes as his name is called) Ready! 
Advance ! 

{They move out quickly at l. leaving the other 
troopers mounted in road. Morrison turns.) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 69 

Morrison. O'Connell ! (As Harry salutes) 
Report at my quarters this evening — at nine. {Dis- 
misses him zcith a gesture. Harry salutes and 
crosses to l. climbing xcall and disappearing at l. 
Morrison zvatcliing him icith a froioi) 

Virgie. {Calling after him) Good-bye, Mr. 
Harry. I'm much obhged to you. 

Gary. {Stepping tozi.'ard Morrison) Golonel, 
I hope no trouble will come of this. If I had known 
your corporal was with you this morning 

Morrison. (Checking him) Oh, that will be all 
right. Harris will get him ! Did he take your pass ? 

(As Gary nods he turns azcay, clenching his hands.) 

Virgie. Yes, sir ! He did ! 

]\Iorrison. (Turning to her lightly) Oh! Did 
he ! Then we'll have to write another one. Gome 
on, little sweetheart. We'll do it together. (Takes 
out note book and pencil) 

Gary. (Glancing at men in road) Morrison! 
You better not. 

(Morrison lifts his hand, then seats himself, zuhile 
Virgie leans against his shoulder zvatching him 
write. Morrison looks up at Gary.) 

Morrison. There's a line of your pickets about 
three miles up the road. If I loaned you a horse, 
do you think Virgie could ride behind you? 

Virgie. (Stepping back in dignity) Me? 
Daddy says that when I was bornded, I came in 
ridin' on the stork. 

Morrison. (Laughing as he takes her hand) 
Then by St. George and the dragon, we'll send you 
home to JelTerson Davis — on a snorting Pegasus! 
How's that? 

Virgie. OIi, fine ! Fine ! 



70 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Cary. (To Morrison, who zvr it es) You needn't 
trouble about the mount. If our lines are as close 
as you say they are 

Morrison. (Checking him again) No — no 
trouble, only, you'll have to be careful of your 
approach. (Smiling as he tears leaf from book) 
Those gray devils in the rifle pits are shooting first, 
and asking questions afterwards. (Handing paper) 
There you are ! 

Cary. (His voice trembling) I — I wish I could 
thank you, Morrison ; but — but you see 

Morrison. Then don't try. (Lightly) If you 
do — I'll hold Virgie as a prisoner of war. (Turn- 
ing to her) Well, young one? Did you get some- 
thing to eat? 

Virgie. Er — almost. 

Morrison. Almost? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. Every time we start — some- 
thin' alwa3's happens. 

Morrison. (Patting her head) Well, well, that 
is hard lucl-:. But I'll bet you it don't happen this 
time ; not if it takes a regiment to stop it. Come on. 
(Picking up dry tzvigs) You can start in and munch 
on something while your uncle Fuller builds the fire. 
(As Cary starts to rise from rock) Sit still, Cary. 
You are worn out. Please. (As Cary leans back 
against the zvall of rock, Morrison hands coffee 
pot to Virgie) Here, Virgie. Can you get me some 
water from the spring? 

Virgie. (Taking pot) Yes. sir. 

Morrison. All right. Tention, Carr — ee — cofifee 
pot' Right wheel ! H'c'h! (He laughs as Yirgie 
marches to spring, then lights the fire zvhich he has 
built hetzveen the stones) Powerfully considerate 
of my boys to leave us all these things. We'll call 
it the raid of Black Gum Spring. (As Virgie brings 
coffeepot) Ah! That's it. Thank you. (Taking 
paper bag from supplies and pouring coffee into pot) 



THE LITTLESr REBEL yi 

We'll make it good and strong. {Placing it on 
stones over fire) There we are! (As Vikcie leans 
over, looking at it) Oh ! Oh ! Oh ! Don't watch 
it. It'll never boil. 

ViiJGiE. (Sitting by her father and covering eyes 
zcith her hands) AH right. I'll jus' sit still an' — an' 
pray for it to hurry up. 

jMorrison. Good ! But don't pray hard enough 
to make it boil over. (Rising, taking up tzvo cups 
icithoitt handles and passing one to Gary with a 
flask) Here, Gary. Join me, won't you? (Smil- 
ing) In case a snake should bite us. 

Gary. (Smiling as he pours liquid into cup) 
Morrison — you are a man of ideas! (Waiting for 
MoRRisox to fill, then raising cup) The health, sir 
— of you and yours. Here's hoping I may some day 
take you prisoner. (As Morrison looks dozvn in 
slight surprise, Gary's voice breaks) \\'hy, don't 
you see? It's the only way — I could ever hope to 
show you — how mucli — (Stops and covers his eyes 
with his hand, while Virgie reaches up to him) 

MoRRTsoN. (Tapping Gary's shoulder) Now 
come, old chap. Brace up. It's the fortunes of war, 
you know. One side or the other is bound to lose. 
It may be your turn — to-morrow. (To Gary, looks 
up) Here we go. (Raising cup) May it soon be 
over — in the way that is best and wisest — for us all. 
(They pause, looking at each other, then drink, 
Morrison turns lightly, taking cups) Now, Virgie; 
while I wash these cups, suppose you hunt through 
that magic knapsack for some sugar for the cofTee. 

Virgie. Yes, sir. (Goes to knapsack) 

Morrison. (At spring) If you find any Yankee 
spoons — put them under arrest. (Turning his head) 
Have any trouble on the road, Gary ? 

Gary. None to speak of. We were stopped 
several times, of course; but it was ell rlht till we 
^ot here. (Pause. Pie frowns and looks ojf l.) 



72 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

And now I'm rather worried — about that pass. 
Your Corporal said he had use for it. Has he any 
grudge against you? 

Morrison. (After pause, thoughtfully) Yes — - 
I'm afraid he has. 

ViRGiE. {Rising, zvith paper bag in one hand and 
spoons in the other) Colonel Llorrison! Where's 
the milk ? 

Morrison. The milk? Well, dash my buttons, 
if I didn't forget to order a cow. (Saluting) It 
v/on't occur again, sir. (Laughs, stoops over fire 
and looks into coffee pot) 

ViRGiE. / know what to do. (Turning to the 
several mounted men in road) Hey, there ! One of 
you men ride over to camp and bring us some milk — ■ 
an' butter ! 

(The men and Morrison laugh.) 

Cary. Virgie ! Virgie ! 

Morrison. It's all right, Cary. She's starting 
early. (To Virgie) Never mind, Brigadier. We'll 
have the luxuries next time. For the present we'll 
do the best we can. Come along. (Stoops over fire) 

Virgie. Is it ready yet? 

Morrison. In a minute now. Ah! There she 
goes! (Taking pot from fire, settinng it on rock 
and pouring in a little cold zuater) Now for a little 
cf this. 

Virgie. Is that to settle it? 

Morrison. Precisely ! The whole momentous 
question. 

Cary. And then to the attack ! 

Morrison. Right-ho ! Pass the cups, Virgie. 
(Pouring) This one for your daddy. You can put 
in the sugar for him. (Pouring again) This one 
for you — and don't you burn those fingers. We 
haven't time to even kiss them. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL -jz 

Cary. {As ViRGiE passes cup to hint) Tlunik 
you, honey. {Siniliiiij) It's belter than a belt sup- 
per, isn't it? 

ViRGiE. Oh, heaps. (Turning) Sugar, Colonel ? 

Morrison. Yes, General ; 1 would be obliged. 
Oh, oh, oh! Not too much. There. {Siirrin(j 
coffee, zvhile Virgie passes paper zoifh biscuits) 
Now then ! Not another word till we make a start. 
Fall to ! 

{For a moment they eat in silence; then Virgie 
tries to speak with her mouth full.) 

Gary. {AdmonisJiingly) Oh! Virginia! Vir- 
ginia ! 

iMoRRisoN. {Laughing) Suppose we swallow — 
and try again. {As Vivlgif. sivallows) Now! 

Virgie. Excuse me, daddy. It — it wasn't very 
polite. 

Gary. {Reaching over and patting her) Apology 
accepted. Well? What were you going to say ? 

Virgie. I was goin' to ask the Colonel if he 
didn't think his men up there would like some of 
this, too. {As I^vIorrison and Gary look at her) 
It must be turrible — jus' to look on. 

Morrison. Well, bless your little heart! {To 
Gary, gently) The mother heart, Cary. {Leaning 
over and putting an arm about her) Now don't you 
worry about the boys. They'll have theirs when they 
get to camp. {Patting her head and sitting back) 
Go on with yours. Here ! Have another biscuit. 
And look, by Jupiter! Butter! 

Virgie. Oh, heavenly! Thank you, sir. {Hold- 
ing half of buttered biscuit to Gary) Have some, 
daddy. It — it looks so good. 

Gary. No, dear ; I haven't finished this. {As she 
snuggles up to him) But isn't it a thing to dream 
about? When we get to Richmond you'll have to 



74 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

write a letter to the Colonel — a nice long one — and 
thank him for all he's done. Won't you ? 

ViRGiE. Yes, sir! An' I'll write another one 
to — (She stops and Hirns to IMorrison ivko is sitting 
in deep thought, his cup half raised) Colonel Mor- 
rison! (As he turns to her abstractedly) Do you 
reckon — that Gertrude is havin' Jicr supper now? 

Morrison. (Starting slightly, then szvallowing 
before he speaks gently) Yes, sweetheart. I — I 
was just thinking of her — and her mother. (Sighs 
and turns back to his reverie) 

Cary. (As Virgie is about to speak again) 
Ss-s-sh ! 

Morrison. (After slight pause) Do you know, 
Cary, this war for us — the men — may be a hell ; but 
what is it for those we leave at home ? The women ! 
who wait — and wait! (Pause) We have the ex- 
citement of it. The rush ! Our battles — no matter 
if we win or lose. We live — and know! (Slight 
pause) We — the brothers of one nation and one 
land — who make our loved ones' lives a deeper hell 
than ours. They watch and listen — with hunger in 
their hearts — month in, month out, and often without 
a word. They starve on the crusts of hope ! Wait- 
ing — waiting — hunting the papers for the thing they 
dread to find : a name ! — among the missing ! A 
name among the dead ! (Clenching his fist) Good 
God! When I think of it sometimes — (He stops, 
resting his cheek on his doubled fist. Cary rises, 
steps to his side and lays hand on his shoulder) 

Cary. Yes, old fellow. Yes, I know. But for 
you the crusts of hope will some day be the bread of 
life — and love. (Morrison looks up, and the eyes 
of the two men meet. Morrison's hand starts out, 
but he is checked by a distant volley of shots off r. 
He springs to his feet) Hello! There go your 
pickets ! 

Virgie. (Setting down coffee cup and bread 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 75 

resignedly) Didn't I knoz^> soniethin' was goin' to 
happen ? 

Cary. (To Morrison zcho is slightly tip-stagc, 
looking off r.) Can you see anything? 

Morrison. {As the scattering volleys continue) 
No. I guess we came too close to your nest — and 
the hornets are coming out. {As sliarf>cr firing is 
heard, IMorrison turns to men in road) Turner! 
{As man salutes) Ride up to the fork of the road. 
Learn what you can — and report. 

{Man rides out af r.) 

Cary. It's too near sundown for a battle. It will 
only be a skirmish. 

AIoRRisoN. {Looking at Yircie) Yes, possibly ; 
but still 

Cary. What is it? 

Morrison. I can't send you forward now — in the 
face of that fire. {Pointing to l.) And I can't send 
you to the rear. In five minutes the road will be 
glutted with cavalry and guns. 

Cary. It's all right, Morrison. I couldn't go 
now — anyway. {As more shots are heard, and 
sounds of hoofs at l.) 

Morrison. Why? 

Cary. Because — in case of trouble for you at 
headquarters — I'm still your prisoner. {Tearing 
up the last pass given) You'll find me here! 

Morrison. Cary ! 

(Cary points to l. as Lieute!tant Harris and other 
horsemen enter.) 

Harris. {Reining in and calling) Colonel Mor- 
rison ! 

Morrison. Yes, Harris. Did you get Corporal 
Dudley ? 



'j6 TKE LITTLEST REBEL 

Harris. No, sir! 

Morrison. (Under his breath) Hell! 

Harris. The Rebels are advancing in force. I 
was sent back to you with orders to join Major 
Foster at the fork — and hold the road. Two light 
field pieces are coming to your support. (Pointing 
to rear) Our main batteries are yonder — in the 
woods ! 

Morrison. Right ! (Running to Virgie and kiss- 
ing her) Good-bye, sweetheart. Hide under the 
rocks. Keep close ! (Starts up hill) 

Gary. (Holding out hand) Good-bye. I can't 
wish you luck — ^but our hearts are with you — as a 
man. 

Morrison. (Releasing hand and running up hill) 
Thank you. It helps — God knows ! (Mounts zvall 
and steps into saddle, giving sharp order) Ready, 
men ! Forward ! 

Virgie. (Calling) Good-bye, Colonel! I hope 
you won't get hurt ! 

Troopers. (Waving hands and calling as they 
rise) Good-bye, little Rebel ! Good-bye ! Good- 
bye! (Exit at R.) 

(Gary stands looking off r.) 

Virgie. Daddy! Is it going to be a — a battle? 

Gary. Only a little one. Don't you be afraid. 
{As horses' hoofs and a rumble are heard at l.)' 
Look ! Here come the field pieces ! ( Two pieces 
of light artillery are driven along road from l. to r. 
They pass out) In a minute now the dogs will be- 
gin to bark! (As cannon boom off-stage) Ah! 
There they go! Over yonder on the hill — in the 
edge of the woods ! Now listen for the answer ! 
(As a boom sounds at r.) That's us! That's us. 
Hear 'm, honey ? Hear 'em ! ( The shriek of a shell 
is heard) 



THE LITTLEST REBEL -j-j 

ViRGiE. Lord A'mcrcy, daddy! What's that! 

Cary. Nothing but a shell. They sound worse 
than they really are. (Distant volleys are heard, 
while men pass along road, some on horses, others 
on foot. One detachment cheers as it passes) Look, 
Virgie ! Look! {Holding her up so she can see over 
edge of rocks) Back there — across the road! The 
infantry. {As gun-barrels and bayonets are seen to 
pass beyond the wall. Cary sets Virgte do^vn) 
There's an open field ahead of them. By Jim, those 
Yanks will get a mustard bath ! {As more severe 
firing is heard) Aha! I told you so! Our boys 
are after them ! Good work ! Good work ! 

Virgie. {Clutching Gary's leg, as shells come 
over) Daddy, I don't like those things! I don't 
like 'em ! 

Gary. There, there, darling. They won't hurt 
you. Grouch down by the rocks ! (As Virgie 
crouches down, Gary looks over edge, while sounds 
increase; bugle notes, the roll of drums, musketry 
and the boom of guns) Jove ! It's a bigger rumpus 
than I thought ! {Twigs and small branches of trees 
begin to fall, as though cut by bullets) Glose down, 
honey! Glose down! {As an exultant yell is heard 
in distance) God! We're whipping 'em ! Virgie! 
Virgie, do you hear ? We are whipping 'em ! 
{Waving his hat) Gome on, boys! Gome on! 

Virgie. Daddy ! Will they kill the Golonel ? 

Gary. I hope not, dear. I hope not ! {A rider- 
less horse crosses in road from r. to l. Several men 
back in, ring and retreating) Here come the strag- 
glers ! {Turning) Glose, darling! Glose! {He 
also crouches, his arm about her. A man stands on 
wall, fires his carbine off r. and is then shot. He 
falls over zvall on his hands and knenes, rises, stag- 
gers dozi'n hill, falls near Gary and lies still) 

Virgie. {Peering around corner of rocks) 
Daddy, it's Harry ! Harry 1 



yS, THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Gary. Don't look, dear ! Don't look ! ( Gary 
looks over edge of rock, as more men retreat along 
road, some on horseback, others on foot. The two 
field pieces come in at r., one going out at l. ivhile 
the other unlimhers on rise at l., is fired and then 
drawn off, in slight lull the zvounded man is heard 
to call) 

Harry. (Moving arm feebly) Water! Water! 
In God's name — water ! 

(Gary is still looking off rocks. Virgie takes can 
from rock, runs out to Harry and kneels beside 
him, lifting his head.) 

Gary. Virgie! (He runs out to her and stands 
covering her body with his own while she gives 
water) 

Harry. IMay God bless ye, litttle one. Mary— 
(His head drops back. Gary lifts Virgie, taking 
her back to shelter behind rocks, covering her eyes 
zvith his hand) 

Gary. Gome, dear — come. You can't help him — 
any m.ore. 

(The firing and retreating goes on in road, as ihoujh 
the Union forces zvere gradually being forced 
bock. Men on the zvall are shot and fall into 
road. A shell bursts under zvall, and a section 
of it topples down. Gary crouches lozver 
among the rocks, covering Virgie zvith his body. 
Another shell bursts over top of spring. There 
is a general retreat along road and beyond it. 
Shells continue to go over, more branches drop, 
and the roar of the battle increases. Men enter 
beloiv wall, fire and retreat. Off-stage Mor- 
rison is heard calling.) 

Morrison. Keep to it, boys ! One stand and 
you've got 'em! Give it to 'em — hard! Stand, I 
tell you ! Stand ! (Along road men retreat, firing. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 79 

From R. bclozv road, a knot of men back in, giving 
zcay slozvly. Morrison is iK-ith them, tvithont his 
Jiat, his szcord in his hand. At his side is his color 
Sergeant. Morrison is striving to keep Jiis men 
from retreating) Steady, men ! Don't flinch! Can't 
you see they're weakening ! Stick to me ! Rally, 
boys ! Rally ! For God's sake, charge 'em once ! 
{As firing increases, the men rctrect, some dropping 
their guns and running) Don't run, you cowards! 
Keep at 'em ! Give 'em hell ! {S'riking a retreat- 
inn man zjith the fiat of Jiis SK'ord) Go back, you 
dog! Go back! {Turning to others) Rally! 
Rally! Damn you, can't you light like men! {As 
prinj ct R. increases and cheers are heard, he takes 
his pistol from holster and ]*res it rapidly off r.) 
One more stand ! Just one ! For God's sake, one ! 
{His color sergeant falls beside him. AIorrison 
stoops end takes up colors) Stick to your colors ! 
Don't leave 'em for the Rebs! (As men retreat) 
Come back ! Come back ! {He backs up on rising 
ground at L. and as Confederates enter from 
R. 7vith bayonets, Morrison is left almost alone. 
Some of the Confederates go up hill to wall, while 
four or five go after Morrison and his colors. With 
his sword he tries to defend himself againnst their 
bayonets) 

Cary. {Who has been crouching with Virgie) 
Morrison! Morrison! {A Confederate near spring 
levels his musket at Morrison. Cary springs out 
and knocks the gun upward so that it is discharged 
in the air. Morrison continues to fight against 
odds. To Confederates) Back, boys ! Back ! 
Don't kill that man! Do you hear me? Back! 

{As the men continue to fight, Cary picks up sabre 
from ground, runs tip hill and tries to keep 
men off.) 



8o THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Morrison. Cary ! 

Gary. {Warding off thrusts) Do you hezv me, 
I'm Cary ! Herbert Cary — on the staix of General 
Lee ! Keep back ! Keep back ! 

{There is a loud cheering at l., a heavy fire, and the 
Confederates turn along road and fire retreat 
to R. A Union cavalry officer rides in at l. 
heading a troop.) 

Officer. CHARGE! 

(They cross from l. o 'r. A shell explodes in fork 
of tree at l. and a large branch comes dozvn on 
stage. Cary drops his sivord and sinks at 
Morrison's feet. The Confederates z^'Jio zvcre 
attacking him run out at r.) 

ViRGiE. Daddy! Daddy! {Runs toivard C.'jt-:) 
Morrison. Go back, Virgie ! Go back. {A^s she 
stumbles and falls) Good God! 

(ViRGiE jumps up again and runs to Cary.) 

Virgie. {Kneeling beside Cary) Oh, Daddy, 
daddy, daddy ! 

(Morrison looks down at them and places arms 
about Virgie. Cavalry charge across stage.) 

Curtain 



ACT IV 



No music for rise. Fire and drum off-stage 
after curtain is up two seconds. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 8i 

Scene : Headquarters of the Union army, one week 
after close of Act IIL 

Time, morning. 

A large square room zcith high ceiling, such 
as might have been a parlor in an old Colonial 
mansion. Old-time z^all paper, several pictures 
in oval frames. Horse-hair sofa, and several 
chairs to match. At l. is a mantel. At r. up- 
stage is a s)nall tabic, belou it a desk, littered 
zi'itli papers, fUes a)id maps. Open zvindozv be- 
hind desk. At rear, a little to r. of c. is a zvide, 
open zvindozi'; beyond it may be seen the tents 
of the camping army. A little l. of c. is a zvide 
doorzvay, giving on to a hall; and throughout 
scene a sentry paces up and dozon, passing and 
repassing. 

DISCOVERED: Adjutant Forbes, seated at 
table, zvriting. Standing at rear zvindow, zvith 
his back to audience, is the General. In his 
hand is a batch of papers held together at one 
corner, while the smoke of a cigar curls up over 
his head. 

A Sergeant appears in doorzvay. Two guards 
step out from either side, barring entrance zvith 
their crossed muskets. The Sergeant speaks 
in pantomime. The muskets are lowered and 
the Sergeant enters, crossing to Forbes and 
saluting. He hands a dispatch. Forbes reads 
and signs it, passing it back in silence. Ser- 
geant salutes and exits. In a moment an 
Orderly appears, going through same business 
as Sergeant. He enters and stands, saluting 
as Forbes looks up. 

Orderly. {Holding folded note) For General 



S2 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Grant. Personal. (TJic General titrns for the first 
time, a big black cigar in his hand. He looks enquir- 
ingly at Orderly) From Lieutenant Harris, sir. 
(Advances and presents note, then stands at atten- 
tion zvhile Grant reads it in silence) 

Grant. {With a short nod) I'll see him. At 
once. (With slight gesture he dismisses orderly 
zuho exits, then turns back to zvindow. He stands 
for a moment, then speaks) Forbes ! (Forbes rises 
from table, advances 'ix'ith a light step and takes 
batch of papers which Grant hands him zvithout 
turning. Forbes places them on desk and returns 
to his table. Enter Lieutenant Harris. He ad- 
vances briskly, but pauses as he sees the General, 
and stands as if hesitating to disturb him. Without 
turning) Well, Lieutenant? What is it? 

Harris. A short conference, General — on the 
case of — Lieutenant Colonel Morrison. 

Grant. (After pause, without turning) Re- 
prieve ? 

Harris. No, General. A pardon. 

Grant. (Wheeling) Pardon! (He advances 
slozvly to desk, his eyes on Harris) Are you out of 
your mind? (As Harris starts to speak the Gen- 
eral checks him with a gesture, then takes up batcJi 
of papers from desk) The man has been given 
every chance. Court-martialed — and found guilty. 
(Sharply) And you — his counsel — having failed to 
prove him otherwise — now come to me — for pardon ! 
(Sjiaps fingers) You are wasting time. (Half 
turns azvay, turning over a sheaf of papers) 

Harris. I hope not, sir. Neither yours nor mine. 
(As Grant looks up quickly Harris indicates batch 
of papers) You have read the findings of the court ? 

Grant. Yes. And approve the sentence. To- 
morrow — he will be shot. 

Harris. (Quietly) Unless you — intervene. 

Grant. (Turning sharply, and for a moment fac- 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 83 

hig Harris siletitly) I? (He s)nilcs, and flicks the 
ash from his cigar) Harris — you are a young man 
of promise. Don't cut that promise — short! 
(Titrns azvay) 

Harris. It is worth the risk. When a man is 
condemned to die 

Grant. (Checking him) Lieutenant Colonel 
Morrison has failed in his military duty. He re- 
leased a Rebel spy ! Provided him with a pass 
through the Federal lines — and proved himself a 
traitor to his cause. (Tosses papers on desk) 

Harris. (After slight pause) A traitor, Gen- 
eral? Do you call a man a traitor who fought as 
Morrison did a week ago ! Who stood till his whole 
command was shot to pieces ! Then stood alone — 
defending his colors — in the face of hell let loose ! 

Grant. (Turning and speaking slozvly, grimly) 
No act of bravery can atone for a soldier's lapse 
from duty. (Sits at desk and begins to write) 

Harris. I do not offer his courage as a plea for 
pardon. (Smiling) But still — I find in Shake- 
speare — and in Blackstone — the suggestion of tem- 
pering justice — with mercy. 

Grant. (Looking up) Mercy! (Tossing his 
pen aside) They call me a war machine. I am! 
And you — and all the rest — are parts of it. A lever 
— a valve — a screw — a wheel ! A machine, half 
human — yes ! A thing of muscle and bone and 
blood — but without a heart! (Rising to his feet) 
A merciless machine ! — whose wheels must turn and 
turn — till we grind out this rebellion — to the dust 
of Peace! (Slight pause) If a wheel once fails to 
do its work — discard it ! — for another and a better 
one (Grimly) We want no wheels that slip their 
cogs. (Dratvs at cigar, puffs out smoke and turns 
azvay) Well? Is this all? 

Harris. No, General. (As Grant turns on him) 
A flaw ! — in your machine's control. (As Grant 



84 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

looks at him ivith a frozvn) In a military court we 
have condemned a man to death — and the facts have 
not been proved! 

Grant. What ! How so ? 

Harris. In times of peace, my profession is that 
of law. I know my ground — and defy you to shake 
it in any civil court in Christendom. 

Grant. Your point ! Get at it ! 

Harris. The evidence was purely circumstantial. 
(As Grant makes impatient gesture) First, it is 
alleged that my client captured a Rebel spy, one 
Herbert Gary, who was hiding in the loft of a cabin. 

Grant. (With a dash of sarcasm) And to this 
there are only ten witnesses. 

Harris. Yes, General — ten. And not one of 
them saw the man. They believe he was there; but 
cannot swear it. 

Grant. Well ? What else ? 

Harris. Next it is claimed that Morrison re- 
leased this spy, and allowed him to enter the Union 
lines — without regard to consequence. 

Grant. (Striking papers zvith the back of his 
hand, sharply) And that is proved! — by several 
officers who stopped your spy at points along the 
road. (Indicating one paper) When taken, this 
was found upon his person ! Not circumstantial 
evidence, but fact! Signed by R. E. Lee. (Turn- 
ing paper over) Endorsd by Colonel Morrison. 
(As Harris laughs softly) Do you presume to 
contest this, too ? 

Harris. I do. Emphatically! (Slozvly) No 
pass — was given Herbert Gary — either by Colonel 
Morrison or General Lee. 

Grant. (In angry amazement) What ! 

Harris. Read it, sir — if you please. (As Grant 
rads in silence, Harris again speaks slozvly) Pass 
Virginia Gary — and escort — through Federal — (As 
Grant turns paper over) and Confederate lines. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 85 

(As Grant looks up) Virginia Gary is a non- 
combatant and a baby. The escort may mean one 
man — or a troop of cavalry. 

(Grant lozvcrs paper, taking a thoughtful turn, 
puffing at cigar. Suddenly he stops.) 

Grant. And what does Gary say? 

Harris. He too is on trial — for his life. His 
evidence was not admitted. 

Grant. Ah! Then what says Morrison? 

Harris. Nothing, sir. The burden of proof is 
with the prosecution — not with him. 

Grant. {Regarding him zvith a frozen) And 
this is your contention — your legal flaw in my 
machine ? 

Harris. It is. 

Grant. H'm! Then we'll call in these silent 
partners and dig for rock bottom. Forbes! (As 
Forbes rises from table) Send for the prisoner. Mr. 
Morrison — and the Rebel, Herbert Gary. I want 
them — here — at once. 

Forbes. Yes, sir. (tarts np-stage) 

Harris. One moment, General. (As Forbes 
pauses involuntarily) Your method is hardly just 
to the intrests of my client. 

Grant. (Drazving himself up, speaking sternly) 
Lieutenant Harris ! Are you asking me to pardon 
a guilty man? (Slight pause) It's the truth we 
want — not legal technicalities. (With a gesture he 
dismisses Forbes, zvho exits) Next you'll ask me 
not to hang this Rebel spy — because he has a baby. 
(Turns to zvindozc and stands zvith hands behind 
him. Presently he speaks, zvithout turning) The 
name of the man who preferred charges — what is 
it? 

Harris. Corporal Dudley. And there, Genera', 
is another point — ^a vital one. In reporting hi^ 



86 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Colonel Dudley was actuated, not by a spirit of 
military duty, but personal revenge. 

Grant. Why ? 

Harris. Morrison shot his brother — a Sergeant 
in his command. 

Grant. {Turning and coming toward desk) 
Again — why ? 

Harris. For insubordination — incendiarism — 
and attempted desertion. 

Grant. H'm. (Sitting at desk) Any witnesses 
of the Sergeant's death? 

Harris. Unfortunately, only one. (As Grant 
shrugs, unrolling map on desk, zvhile Forbes enters) 
An old negro — now in our camp — answering to the 
name of William Lewis. 

Grant. Lewis? (Referring to a spindle fde on 
desk and looking up) Is that the old codger who 
has been haunting my entire staff for permission to 
go through our lines to his home ? 

Harris. Yes, General. 

Grant. Good ! It's about time we got even with 
him. Have him in ! See to it, Forbes. (Bends over 
map on his desk) 

Forbes. Yes, sir. (Goes up-stag e) 

Harris. (To Forbes) You'll find him some 
where near the, guard house. He's been trying to 
see Captain Cary. 

(Forbes nods, goes to door and speaks zvith orderly 
in pantomime, then returns quietly to table. 
Grant is absorbed in his map. Harris starts 
to speak, but thinks better of it, and remains 
silent. Pause. Off-stage a squad of men are 
Jieard marching.) 

Officer. (Off-stage) H'i'h! Single — file! 
Forward ! (As marching men appear passing door. 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 67 

escorting Caky and Morrison) Halt! Left face! 
Order — li'in's! 

(Forbes, at door, lifts his hand. Enter Morrison 
and Gary, Morrison without his szvord and 
shoulder strafes. The two men pause, looking at 
Grant. lie pays no heed to them, but continues 
bending over map.) 

Harris. {In loiv tone) 'Morning, Morrison. 

Morrison. Good morning. 

Forbes. {Indicating seats at l.) This way, 
please. {Places Gary a little down-stage, and re- 
turns to table. Gary and Morrison sit, watching 
the General in silence) 

Grant. {Looking up, speaking impatiently) 
Well? Where is the negro? Bring him in. Bring 
him in ! Am I to be kept waiting all day ? 

Forbes. One moment, General. Just a moment, 
sir. {Crosses to door as men are again heard march- 
ing. Two privates appear tvith Uncle Billy' be- 
tween them) This way. 

{The privates disappear, while Forbes brings Uncle 
Billy down to desk, where Uncle Billy 
stands, his hat in his hand. Grant has again 
become absorbed zvith the map.) 

Billy. {After pause) Wan' see me, suh? 

Grant. {Looking up quickly, then regarding 
Billy critically) Your name? 

Billy. Er — William Lewis, seh. Yas, seh. 

Grant. To whom do you belong? 

Billy. {Proudly) Gap'n Hubbert Gary, seh — 
of de Gonfed'it army. Yas, seh. 

Grant. U'm! {Leaning back in chair and re- 
garding Billy critically) I understand, my man. 



SS THE LITTLEST REBEL 

that freedom has been offered you — and yovi refused 
it. Is this true? 

Billy. Yes, seh. 

Grant. Why ? 

Billy. {Fumbling zvith hat) Well — er — well, 
skuse me, Mars' Gn'l, but — but down dar whar I 
lives at, de — de white gent'men ornderstands a 
nigger bettern' what you-all does. Yas, seh. 

Grant. (Chewing end of cigar) I see. There 
has been some difference of opinion — on the point. 
{Slight pause. He points to Morrison) Do you 
know that man? 

Billy. {Turning) ]\Ie? {His face lighting up 
as he sees Morrison) Aw, yas, seh. How you 
does, Cun'l. I clar to — {He stops abruptly as he 
sees Gary, and speaks in a tvhisper) Mars' Gary! 
{In louder tone as he runs forivard) Mars' Caryl 
{Dropping on his knees to Gary tvho has risen) 
Bless Gawd, I done fin' you ! I done fin' you ! I 
done fin' you ! {Hides face in Gary's coat, sobbing) 

Grant. {Sharply) Forbes! Put a stop to that! 
Bring him back ! 

Billy. {Reaching up to Gary, as Forbes ad- 
vances) Dey wouldn' lemme git thu', seh! Dey 
wouldn't lemme come home ! (As Forbes places 
hand on shoulder) Aw, Gawd, Mars' Cary ! Mars' 
Gary! 

Gary. (Gently) There now, Billy — don't. Go — • 

go- ^ . . 

Billy. (As Forbes and Gary help him to his 

feet) Yas, seh. Yas, seh. (Looks lingeringly at 

Gary, while Forbes leads him to desk, then turns to 

Grant) Skuse me, Mars' Gen'l. (Brushing eyes 

with his knuckles) I couldn' he'p it, seh. I — I 

couldn't he'p it. Dey wouldn't eben lemme see hira 

in de guard house. Dey wouldn't 

Forbes. S'h ! 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 89 

Billy. Skuse me, Mars' Gcii'i. He all I got, 
sell. He 

Grant. That will do. Attend me — (Slight 
pause) When did you see — Mr. Morrison — last? 

Billy. Him.'' T'was in de Spring, seh. Yas, 
seh. De time de Yankees bu'nt us out. 

GiiANT. Eh? 

Harris. The act of incendiarism, General — on 
the part of Sergeant Dudley. 

Grant. (Nodding) I see. (To Billy) How 
was it? 

Billy. Well, seh, t'was dis way. One mornin' 
de blue-bellies — skuse me, seh, de cavTry gentmen. 
One mornin' de cav'lry gentlemen come ridin' up, 
lookin' fer horses an' fodder an' — an' Mars Gary — • 
an' anything else whar was layin' roun'. Yas, seh. 
(Indicating Morrison) An' des' befo' dis here 
gent'man come, a low-lived white man took'n grab 
me de th'oat — an' choke me, seh. Den he 'suit Miss 
Hallie. 

Grant. Miss Hallie? 

Billy. My mis'tiss, seh. (Again touching his 
eyes) My mist'iss. 

Harris. The wife of Captain Gary. 

Grant. (Nodding and turning to Billy) W^ell? 

Billy. Den de Cun'l come, jrlc juck him down 
ofif'n de front po'ch — an' put him under 'rest. Yas, 
seh. An' ^Nliss Hallie she sho' was hoppin' Gen'l. 
She 

Grant. Never mind that. Go on with the story. 

Billy. Yas, seh. Thank'e, seh. T'was des lek 
I tell you, seh. An' arfter while orders come to de 
cavTry gent'men fer to light out fr'm dar in a 
hurry. An' whils't dey was giitin' ready, seh, an' 
me an' de Cun'l was waitin' roun' fer to proteck de 
property, de fire bus' out de winders. (As Grant 
looks up sharply) Dat's right. Mars' Gen'l. Dat's 
right. Den de front do flewed open, an' here come 



90 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

dat po' white rapscallion — wid de pine knot in his 
han' Yas, sch. He 

Grant. One moment ! Was he running toward 
his troop, or away from it? 

Billy. 'Way fr'm it, seh — t'odes de ice house 
whar Miss Hallie an' de chillun was at. Yas, seh. 

Grant. And Mr. Morrison tried to stop him. 

Billy. He mo'n tried, seh. He done it. 

Grant. (Nodding) So I understand. What 
did he do — or say? 

Billy. He say — (Lifting his head as if trying to 
recall zvords) He say — Gawd! Dudley! Hak! 
Bing! (Slight pause) Dat's all, seh. He drap lek 
a stuck pig. 

Grant. (Looking at desk in thought for an in- 
stant, then lifting head) Mr. Morrison! (As Mor- 
rison rises and salutes) You did well. Your Ser- 
geant failed in his military duty — and deserved the 
punishment. I commend your action. (As Mor- 
rison inclines his head and Harris shows silent 
elation, Grant speaks sternly) The Federal powers' 
of administrative justice — now occupy the same 
position with regard to your own default. (As 
Harris registers) The rules of war, as applied to a 
non-commissioned ofificer — must also govern his 
superiors. As Sergeant Dudley deserved his bullet, 
you merit yours. (To Harris, indicating Billy) 
A bad witness for your client, Harris. You ought 
to study law ! (In the silence zvhich follows, Grant 
lays cigar aside and lights a fresh one, then waves 
his hand in Billy's direction) Take him away. 

Forbes. Yes, sir. (Starts to lead Billy out. 
Billy turns tozvard Gary) H'h! 

(Billy starts, then turns up-stage. In doorway, 
as tzuo soldiers advance, Billy turns.) 

Billy. Skuse me, Mars' Gen'l — I — I don't need 
dat ar pass home now. But I much obliged to you 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 91 

for not giviii' it to mc. Yas, sch. Thank's, seh. 
{Boi^'ing in doorway) Good niornin' ! {Exits. 
Harris returns to table) 

Graxt. Mr. Morrison! (As Morrison, zvJio has 
remained standing, salutes) Your friend and counsel, 
Lieutenant llarris, has appHed to me for pardon. 

Morrison. Pardon! (Turning) Harris! 

Grant. Exactly ! It comes from him — not you. 
But still, as an interested party, have you anything 
to say in your own behalf? 

Morrison. (After slight pause) Nothing, sir. 

(The General "waves his hand and Morrison 
resumes seat.) 

Grant. Captain Gary (As Gary starts to rise) 
Keep your seat, sir. You are wounded. (As Gary 
resumes seat, Grant refers to another pile of papers 
on his desk, then looks up) Is it true — as I learn 
from this paper — that during a skirmish a week 
ago — you helped to defend the Union colors — and 
against your own people? 

Gary. (Springing tip, speaking zvith pride and a 
dash of anger) I? No, sir! (Slight pause) I 
defended the man — not the soldier — or his flag! 

Grant. (Leaning back in chair and puffing 
smoke) You draw a rather fine distinction, Cap- 
tain. You saved the colors — but you failed to save 
the man ! You had better let him die — as an honor- 
able soldier. (Pause. Gary looks at Morrison in 
pity) You were actuated — by a debt of gratitude? 

Gary. A greater one than I can ever hope to pay. 
(As Grant leans forward) His mercy — to my little 
girl. 

Grant. (Rising and pointing at him) And the 
pass he gave — to yon ! 

Gary. To her! 

Grant. (Smiling) Another fine distinction, 



92 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

Captain. (Resuming seat, knocking ashes from 
cigar and looking tip) Did you ever penetrate the 
Federal lines — by means of a uniform — of blue? 

Gary. As to that, General Grant, there is 

Grant. Answer ! Yes, or no ! 

Harris. One moment, General. If 

Grant, No interference, Harris! (To Gary) 
Yes — or no? 

Gary. (Glancinng at Morrison, then back to 
Grant) Under the rulings of court-martial law, I 
deny even your right^to the question. 

Grant. (Regarding him a moment in silence) 
That's all, sir. Thank you. (As Gary resumes 
seat) Mr. Morrison! (As Morrison rises) As 
a military servant of the Government, you were 
ordered to pursue this man — and take him — dead or 
alive. (As Morrison inclines his head) In this 
you failed. 

Morrison. In part — 'I failed. 

Grant. (Pointing and shaking flnnger) And 
knowing he was a spy ! 

Morrison. Not to my personal knowledge, sir. 
(As Grant leans forward) I hunted him many 
times ; but never while he wore a Federal uniform. 

Grant. And when you captured him? (As Mor- 
rison zvaves hand, indicating Gary's present dress) 
Ah ! Then you did capture him ? 

Morrison. Yes. 

Grant. (Glancing at Harris ivith a smile, and 
taking up papers) And he was the escort — men- 
tioned in your pass ! 

Morrison. (With slight hesitation) Yes. 

Grant. H'm! (Rising and turning) I'm afraid, 
my dear Harris, that in spite of legal technicalities, 
the findings of our court were not far wrong. 
(Dropping papers on desk, and turning sternly to 
Morrison) Captain Cary practically admits his 
guilt! You were aware of it! And yet you send 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 93 

him throu5:;h the very center of our Hues! A pass! 
— carle-blaiichc to learn the disposition of our force 
— our weakncsr. and our strength — and to make his 
report at Riclimond ! An enemy ! — with a price on 
his head! You trusted him! A sf^y! 

jMorrison. I trusted Herbert Cary ! (As Grant 
turns away, snappijig his fingers in contempt, Mor- 
rison moves toward him) General ! I have offered 
no defense. If the justice of court-martial law 
prescribes a firing squad — I find no fault. I failed ! 
I pay! {Indicating Gary) I took this man — 
hunted — wounded — fighting to reach the side of a 
hungry child. And even then — by the rules of war 
— I would have had him shot ; but he asked me to 
get his little girl to Richmond — and not to let her 
know about him. (Slight pause) And she believed 
in me! Trusted me — as I trusted Herbert Cary to 
pierce the very center of your lines — as a father — 
not a spy ! 

Grant. (His back still turned) And it cost 
you your sword your life. 

Morrison. And I have no regret. In the duty 
of a military servant — I have failed. (Indicating 
Gary) I\Iy prisoner still lives! As a men, I could 
not accept the confidence of his child — th? trust of 
innocence — a baby's kiss — with the blood of her 
father on my hands (Turns c^n'ay) 

Grant. (Turning slozdy) A very pretty senti- 
ment. But you seem to forget we are making zcar 
— not love. 

Morrison. (Wheeling) Yes, war! — and the 
hellish laws that govern it ! But there is still another 
law — Humanity ! Through a trooper in my com- 
many the home of an enemy was burned to ashes — • 
his loved-ones flung out to starve ! When a help- 
less tot had lost its mother, and a father would 
protect it, then war demands that I smash a baby's 
one last hope — in the name of the stars and stripes ! 



94 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

To march back home, to a happy, triumphant North 
— and meet my baby — with the memory of a butcher 
in my heart. By God, sir, I'd rather hang! 

{For a moment Grant and Morrison face each 
other silently; then the General begiiis to pace 
slowly in thought, his hands bhind him. He 
stops at corner of desk.) 

Grant. Lieutenant Harris 1 was right. 

You've wasted your time — and mine. (Sits at desk) 
Forbes ! (As Forbes rises, Grant makes gesture 
toward door) The Guard ! (As Grant bends over 
map before him. Forbes starts toward door, but 
pauses an instant, looking at Grant. Just as he 
starts forward again, the shrill scream of a child is 
heard off stage. Morrison and Gary register. 
The muskets of the two sentries cross at door; but 
ViRGiE dodges under them, entering flushed and 
panting. She runs to desk, facing the General who 
rises in astonishment) 

ViRGiE. You shan't shoot Colonel Morrison! I 
won't let you You shan't! You shan't! You 
shan't ! 

Grant. (To Orderly zvho enters, following 
Virgie) Take that child out of here! 

ViRGiE. I won't go ! 

Grant. (Sharply) Orderly! (Points to Virgie. 
As Orderly advances, Virgie eludes him and runs 
her father, throzving her arms about him, sobbing) 

Virgie. Oh, daddy, daddy, you won't let him 
shoot the Colonel. Daddy, you won't ! You won't ! 
(Sobs passionately. The Orderly hesitates, Grant 
points to Virgie, and Orderly advances) 

Gary. (Lifting hand) General — please. She'll 
eo. (To Virgie) Virgie! Virgie! (As she con- 
tinues to sob, he shakes her shoulders gently) 
Listen, honey — listen! Remember— General Lee! 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 95 

{As ViRGiE looks up tryiiKj vainly to check her sobs) 
He wouldn't want you to cry like this. He said — 
** She's a brave Httle Rebel to stay there all alone. 
Dixie and I are proud of her. (As Virgie 
straightens up, brushing her eyes) Now go, dear — 
go. {Kisses her. Virgie looks into his eyes, then 
turns X\.nthout a word and starts for door slozvly. 
She pauses to scoti'l at General Grant, and once 
more moves upstage) 

Grant. Wait! {Turning) Harris — they say 
that fools and children speak the truth. {Slight 
pause) Come here, little girl. (Virgie, still chok- 
ing dozen her tears, turns and advances. When she 
reaches the desk, she straightens her body and makes 
7nilitary salute. Grant, zvith his chin on his fist, 
regarding her intently) The Littlest Rebel, eh? 
{Slight pause) How old are you? 

Virgie. {Szvallozving a sob) Seven. Goin' on 
eight. 

Grant. Do you know the uniform of a Union 
officer — when you see it. 

Virgie. A Yankee ? Well, I reckon I ought to — 
by this time. 

Grant. Very good ! {Looking at ceiling, puffing 
smoke, then to Virgie) When you lived at home — 
and afterwards in the cabin — did your father come 
to see you often? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. 

Grant. Hozv often? 

Virgie. I — I don't know, sir. Er — heaps of 
times. 

Grant. Good again ! When your father came, 
did he ever wear clothes that — that were not his 
own? 

Virgie. {With a quick glance at Gary, then back 
to Grant, hesitating) Well — well, lots of our men 
don't have hardly any clo's. 

Grant. That is not what I mean. Did he ever 



96 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

wear a coat of blue? — a Yankee uniform! (As 

ViRGiE hesitates, shifting her eyes) Answer my 

question ! 

Harris. (As Virgik still hesitates) General! — 
Grant. (Frowning) Harris! (To Virgie) 

Well? 

(ViRGTE still hesitates, tzvisting her hands, her lip 
quivering. She turns to Gary.) 

Virgie. Oh, daddy, daddy! What must I tell 
him? 

Gary. The truth, Virgie. Whatever the General 
asks. 

Grant. (Glancing at Gary, then hack to Virgie) 
Did he? 

Virgie. (Szvallozuing and cinching her hands) 
Yes, sir. 

Grant. (Nodding grimly) So you even know 
what it means! A spy! 

Virgie. (Dropping her eyes) Yes, sir. 

Grant, Do you remember how many times he 
came that way? 

Virgie. (Looking up) Yes, sir. Once. 

Grant. Once? Are you sure? 

Virgie. Yes, sir. 

Grant. (Sternly) Think! And remember 
what your father said just now — (Slight pause) and 
tell the truth. When was it ? 

Virgie. When — it was when — daddy came 
through the woods — an' — an' put my mamma — in 
the ground. 

(For a moment there is a dead silence, no one mak- 
ing the slightest movement ; then Grant turns 
his head slowly to Gary.) 
Grant. Captain Gary. (As Gary rises) Is this 
true? 



THE LITTLEST REBEL 97 

Cary. Yes. General. I went to your nearest 
post — with a tiag of truce — and asked permission. 
I was refused. I went ivithoiit permission. 

Grant. {Rising, his eyes still on Gary, speaking 
sternly) And you give me your word, as a soldier 
and gentleman, that once, once only, you wore a 
Federal uniform — and because of the burial of your 
wife? 

Gary. I do. (Taking the General's tone) 
T'was the only cause in heaven or hell — that could 
have induced me to wear it ! 

(For a nioiuent Gr-Vnt looks at him fixedly, turns 
and goes tip-stage to loindoio; standing zvifh his 
hands behind him. He tosses cigar oat of 
windozv, takes out afresh one and comes slozvly 
down, sniffing at it, and looking from one to 
the other of the characters.) 

Harris. Pardon me, General ; but since Gaptain 
Cary is not a spy, and never zvas — at least not 
morally 

Grant. (Sharply) That will do, Harris ! 
(Pause. He turns) Lieutenant Colonel Morrison ! 
(As Morrison rises in astonishment) Go back to 
your command, sir. 

Morrison. General ! 

Grant. (Checking his gratitude) And the next 
time you are forced to decide between military duty 
and humanity — think twice! (He turns to desk. 
Gary stretches his hand tozvard Morrison, but docs 
not move up to him. Grant tears a paper from the 
batch on his desk, and turns) Captain Cary — I 
sincerely regret — that I cannot honor the pass as 
given you by Colonel Morrison. (Turning paper 
over) But I do honor the pass — of your General — 
R. E. Lee. (He folds paper and hands it, stopping 
Gary zcho tries to speak, and turns away. He is 
about to move upstage, when he is stopped by 



98 THE LITTLEST REBEL 

ViRGiE who puts her arms around his waist and 
looks up at him. Grant looking down and shaking 
his unlighted cigar at her) And as for you, young 
lady ; the next time you pervert my officers and upset 
the discipHne of the Federal Army — well, I don't 
know what I'll do with you. {Pause) That's all. 
Now run away. {As she still holds him tightly, 
looking up into his face) Oh, well I suppose I've 
got to do it. {Stoops, kisses her, pats her head, and 
goes quickly up-stage. The other characters stand 
at salute) 

ViRGiE. {Calling) Thank you, Gen'ral ! Thank 
you, sir! You're another mighty good damn 
Yankee ! 

{The General turns, smiles and exits. Virgie is 
at c, Morrison at r. and Gary at l.) 

Morrison. {Stretching his arms to Virgie) 
Virgie ! 

Gary. {Stretching arms) Honey! 

(Virgie looks from one to the other, hesitating. 
Both run to her, kneel, and with their backs to 
audience, how their heads on her shoulders, 
their arms about her. Harris and Forbes turn 
their backs.) 

Curtain 



3/f77-176 
Lot 57 



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